Bilateral Herpes Simplex Virus-related Peripheral Ulcerative Keratitis Leading to Corneal Perforation in a Patient with Primary Herpes Simplex Virus Infection

Journal of Ophthalmic & Vision Research
Angeliki ChraniotiNikolaos Ziakas

Abstract

To present a case of bilateral peripheral ulcerative keratitis (PUK) caused by primary herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) infection resulting in corneal perforation. A 24-year-old man presented at the eye casualty of our clinic, with a 20-day history of severe pain, redness, photophobia, and tearing in both of his eyes. Slit-lamp examination revealed bilateral superior corneal perforation. A laboratory work-up that included immunological testing for infectious and autoimmune factors showed primary HSV infection. Positive PCR analysis of corneal scrapings for HSV confirmed initial end-organ ocular infection. Because the patient showed progressive HSV-1-related PUK resulting in bilateral superior corneal perforation with iris prolapse, he was prescribed both systemic and topical acyclovir and prednisone. He then underwent bilateral surgical intervention, namely eccentric penetrating keratoplasty in one eye and a two step procedure in the other, whereby two corneal patch grafts and an amniotic membrane transplant were initially used, followed 1 month later by a large diameter penetrating keratoplasty. In cases of PUK, differential diagnosis should include infectious and autoimmune diseases. Primary HSV should also be considered as a p...Continue Reading

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Methods Mentioned

BETA
scrapings
PCR
transmission electron microscopy

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