Related Experiment Videos
Varicella disciform stromal keratitis
K R Wilhelmus1, M B Hamill, D B Jones
1Department of Ophthalmology, Cullen Eye Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|May 15, 1991
Summary
Varicella-zoster virus can cause disciform stromal keratitis weeks after chickenpox. This corneal inflammation may recur even after initial treatment, indicating a need for ongoing monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Disciform stromal keratitis is a form of corneal inflammation.
- Acute vesicular exanthema, commonly known as chickenpox, is caused by the varicella-zoster virus.
Observation:
- Five patients developed disciform stromal keratitis weeks after acute vesicular exanthema.
- Serologic tests confirmed recent varicella infection in some patients.
- Three patients experienced recurrent corneal inflammation despite initial corticosteroid treatment.
Findings:
- Varicella-zoster virus is identified as a causative agent of disciform stromal keratitis.
- The onset of keratitis can be delayed by several weeks post-exanthema.
- Recurrence of corneal inflammation is a significant clinical feature.
Implications:
- This study highlights varicella-zoster virus as an important cause of delayed and recurrent disciform stromal keratitis.
- Ophthalmologists should consider varicella-zoster virus in the differential diagnosis of stromal keratitis, especially following chickenpox.
- Awareness of potential recurrence is crucial for patient management and prognosis.