RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Acute retinal necrosis by herpes simplex virus type 1: an unusual presentation of a primary infection
JF BMJ Case Reports
JO BMJ Case Reports
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
SP e232566
DO 10.1136/bcr-2019-232566
VO 12
IS 12
A1 Gonçalo Pereira Cruz
A1 Cristina Fonseca
A1 Joaquim Oliveira
A1 José Saraiva da Cunha
YR 2019
UL http://casereports.bmj.com/content/12/12/e232566.abstract
AB Herpes simplex virus (HSV) can affect the central nervous system causing meningitis, encephalitis and, rarely, acute retinal necrosis. We present a case of a 46-year-old man, previously healthy complaining of a 5-day persistent headache and sudden loss of vision of his left eye that progressed to the right. We started ceftriaxone, methylprednisolone and acyclovir for suspected encephalitis with vasculitis. HSV-1 was identified in vitreous and aqueous humour. Therapy with acyclovir was maintained and two intravitreous boluses of foscarnet were administered, without improvement. Usually being a benign infection, HSV can, in rare cases like this, have catastrophic effects in the optic tract.