Herpes simplex chorioretinitis in a healthy adult

A previously healthy 20-year-old man developed bilateral chorioretinitis that included mild anterior uveitis, vitreous cells, multifocal chorioretinitis, and optic nerve swelling that progressed to severe optic neuropathy in one eye. Chorioretinal biopsy specimens cultured herpes simplex type 1 from separate chorioretinal and vitreous samples. Although the visual acuity of one eye remained at light perception, sight in the second eye was saved when treatment with systemic acyclovir and corticosteroids led to resolution of the inflammation. A recurrence was successfully treated with acyclovir alone and the patient shows no evidence of active disease.