A Case of Orbital Apex Syndrome as a Complication of Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus.

ABSTRACT

We present a case of herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) with a rare complication of orbital apex syndrome (OAS) manifesting as optic perineuritis with multiple cranial nerve palsies. A 65-year-old with COPD presented to the hospital with a vesicular rash involving his left eyelid. He was admitted for HZO and a concurrent COPD exacerbation. The HZO was treated with antivirals and the COPD exacerbation was treated with corticosteroids. On hospital day three, he developed left-sided ptosis, ophthalmoplegia, and a mid-dilated fixed pupil. MRI of the brain demonstrated enhancement of the left optic nerve sheath, rectus muscles, and periorbital soft tissues. He was diagnosed with OAS and treated with an increased dose of corticosteroids. After two months, his orbital symptoms resolved. This case is unique because the patient developed HZO in the setting of corticosteroid treatment for a COPD exacerbation, and his HZO progressed to OAS despite proper initiation of antiviral therapy.