Herpes zoster ophthalmicus leading to middle cerebral arteryinfarction: A case report

Abstract

Herpes zoster vasculitis is a rare but important complication. We report a 27-year-old man who, after three months of herpes zoster ophthalmicus, developed left-sided hemiplegia with grade-zero power and cortical sensory loss. A CT scan showed an infarction in the right middle cerebral artery. An MR angiogram showed occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery. The CSF was positive for herpes zoster IgM and IgG antibodies. The patient improved following acyclovir therapy and was independent for activities of daily living at his one-month followup. Large-vessel occlusion occurs in herpes zoster ophthalmicus in an immunocompetent patient and may have a good prognosis.

Publication History

Publication Date:
27 April 2011 (online)