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Varicella-zoster virus retrobulbar optic neuritis in a patient with human immunodeficiency virus
A Shayegani1, J G Odel, M Kazim
1Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, USA.
Purpose:
To determine the cause of bilateral retrobulbar optic neuritis followed by progressive outer retinal necrosis in a patient with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Methods:
Extensive ophthalmologic, neurologic, infectious disease, rheumatologic, and radiologic examinations were performed.
Results:
Cerebrospinal fluid samples taken after the onset of bilateral retrobulbar optic neuritis and before the development of clinical progressive outer retinal necrosis disclosed varicella-zoster virus from polymerase chain reaction and viral culture.
Conclusion:
Ophthalmologists and neurologists should consider varicella-zoster virus optic neuritis as a potential precursor of progressive outer retinal necrosis and as a cause of retrobulbar optic neuritis in patients infected with HIV.