Risk of Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus After COVID-19 Vaccination in a Large US Health Care Claims Database.

PURPOSE: Herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) after COVID-19 vaccination has been reported in numerous case studies. However, no large-scale epidemiologic studies have been conducted to date. The purpose of this study was to determine whether COVID-19 vaccination is associated with an increased risk of HZO. DESIGN: Retrospective before-and-after risk interval analysis. METHODS: RESULTS: In total, 1,959,157 patients received a dose of a COVID-19 vaccine during the study period and met eligibility criteria. A total of 80 individuals without a prior history of HZO were included in the analysis because they developed HZO in the risk or control period. Patients had a mean age of 54.0 years (SD = 12.3 years). There were 45 cases of HZO in the risk interval after COVID-19 vaccination. There was not an increased risk of HZO after vaccination with BNT162b2 (IRR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.49-1.69, P = .74), mRNA-1273 (IRR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.36-1.54, P = .42), or Ad26.COV2.S (IRR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.07-2.56, P = .42). CONCLUSIONS: This study found no evidence of increased risk of HZO after COVID-19 vaccination, providing reassurance for patients and providers who may be concerned about the safety profile of the COVID-19 vaccines.

A Case of Acute Retinal Necrosis Associated with Reactivation of Varicella Zoster Virus after COVID-19 Vaccination.

PURPOSE: To report a case of acute retinal necrosis (ARN) after receiving COVID-19 vaccination. METHODS: A case report. RESULTS: A 78-year-old man complained of blurred vision and floaters in the right eye 2 days after receiving BNT162b2 mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine and was referred to our hospital with worsening visual acuity after 7 days. He had no systemic symptoms and no history of systemic diseases. Ophthalmic examination revealed white-yellowish placoid lesions spreading to the entire circumference of the retina, and temporal and upper lesions extending to the posterior pole, although anterior inflammation and vitreous opacity were mild. Diagnostic and therapeutic vitrectomy was performed, and VZV-DNA was detected by comprehensive PCR using a vitreous fluid sample. The ocular inflammation subsided by systemic administration of antivirals and corticosteroids. However, total retinal detachment requiring repeat vitrectomy using silicone oil occurred after the second vaccination. CONCLUSION: ARN associated with VZV reactivation may develop after SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination.

Herpetic Eye Disease Following the SARS-CoV-2 Vaccinations.

PURPOSE: To describe herpetic ocular infections following SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations. METHODS: A retrospective study of herpetic ocular infections after BNT162b2mRNA vaccination and a literature review. RESULTS: A cohort of five patients: three varicella zoster virus (VZV) and two herpes simplex virus (HSV) cases, as well as 19 literature cases: 9 cases of VZV and 10 cases of HSV post BNT162b2mRNA, AZD1222, mRNA-1273, and CoronaVac vaccinations. All cases presented within 28 days post vaccination. Most VZV and HSV cases (15/19) reported in the literature presented post first vaccine dose, while in our cohort 2 VZV cases presented post second dose and both HSV cases and one VZV case post third dose. The most common presentations were HZO with ocular involvement and HSV keratitis. All eyes had complete resolution; however, one had retinal detachment and three corneal scars. CONCLUSION: Herpetic ocular infections may develop shortly after SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations. Overall, the outcome is good.

Varicella Zoster Reactivation Causing Acute Retinal Necrosis following mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination in a Young Immunocompetent Man.

BACKGROUND: Varicella zoster reactivation is an increasingly recognised event following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. In addition, various ocular inflammatory and infectious adverse events following COVID-19 vaccination have been described in the literature. This case report describes acute retinal necrosis (ARN) secondary to varicella zoster virus (VZV) reactivation following COVID-19 mRNA vaccination. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 42-year-old immunocompetent man developed left ARN 12 days following first dose of Pfizer BioNTech mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. Aqueous and vitreous tap polymerase chain reaction testing was positive for VZV. Good visual outcome was achieved with combination therapy, including intravitreal foscarnet, oral valaciclovir and prednisolone, topical dexamethasone and atropine, and barrier retinal laser. Second dose of the vaccine is planned under cover of high-dose oral valaciclovir therapy. CONCLUSION: This case illustrates the possible association between COVID-19 vaccination and potentially blinding VZV reactivation. Therefore, prompt ophthalmic assessment is recommended in patients with visual disturbance following COVID-19 vaccination.

Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus After COVID-19 Vaccination: Chance Occurrence or More?

ABSTRACT: As the understanding of COVID-19 infection becomes better, it is being recognized as a complex multisystem pathology rather than just affecting the lungs. Several ocular findings have been documented by researchers in individuals infected with COVID-19, and ocular symptoms may even be the first presenting feature of COVID-19 infection in 2.26% individuals. Several countries have started vaccination with inactivated or live vaccines to combat this pandemic, and varied side effects have been reported after vaccination. Few cases of herpes zoster have previously been reported in elderly patients with comorbidities after receiving COVID-19 vaccines. In this article, the authors described 2 interesting cases of herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) after receiving a live COVID-19 vaccine. The first case was a 35-year-old immunocompetent man who developed HZO 3 days postvaccine. The second case was a 40-year-old immunocompetent man who developed HZO 28 days postvaccine. To the best of our knowledge, no literature to date has described HZO after live vaccine.

Case Report: Acute Retinal Necrosis after Intravitreal Ranibizumab for Exudative Macular Degeneration.

SIGNIFICANCE: Acute retinal necrosis (ARN) may occur after intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) treatment for patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Awareness of this unusual but devastating complication after IVR is needed. Early identification may help provide timely antiviral treatment and prevent irreversible visual loss. PURPOSE: This study aimed to report a case of ARN after IVR in a patient with exudative AMD. CASE REPORT: A 67-year-old male patient complained of blurred vision in his left eye for 1 month. The patient was diagnosed with exudative AMD after detailed ophthalmic clinical evaluations. He received IVR once in his left eye. Three days after IVR, he developed varicella-zoster virus-associated ARN, which was treated with systemic and intravitreal antiviral therapy. Because of progressive inflammation, the patient underwent 25G pars plana vitrectomy with silicone oil tamponade. Seven months later, the patient was administered intravitreal aflibercept once in his left eye. Three months after intravitreal aflibercept, he underwent removal of silicone oil, and retinal detachment occurred 2 weeks after the surgery because of low IOP, and the patient eventually discontinued treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This study reports the first case of varicella-zoster virus-associated ARN after IVR. Early ARN may be very difficult to distinguish from intraocular inflammation after IVR. Therefore, early detection of viral DNA in the intraocular fluid using polymerase chain reaction is recommended. Immediate antiviral treatment may be beneficial to prevent severe visual loss.

Presumed Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus Reactivation Following Recombinant Zoster Vaccination.

PURPOSE: To report a case of herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) reactivation after recombinant zoster vaccination. METHODS: A 78-year-old woman, with a history of HZO 20 years ago, was referred for progressive corneal thinning in her left eye that started 1 week after her second dose of recombinant zoster vaccination. RESULTS: At presentation, visual acuity was counting fingers. Corneal sensation was markedly decreased. Slit lamp examination revealed a temporal paracentral epithelial defect 1.5 × 2.0 mm in size with 40% thinning and surrounding stromal inflammation suggestive of stromal keratitis with ulceration. The patient was started on oral valacyclovir, topical erythromycin ointment, and hourly topical lubrication. A bandage contact lens was placed and was replaced 1 week later with self-retained cryopreserved amniotic membrane ring. The ring was removed in the following week when the thinned area was epithelialized with no further evidence of stromal lysis. CONCLUSIONS: HZO reactivation after recombinant zoster vaccination is uncommon but possible. Ophthalmologists should remain aware of potential risks of zoster vaccination and take special precautions in patients with HZO history.

Vaccine-Strain Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus in a 14-month-old Boy Prompting an Immunodeficiency Workup: Case Report and Review of Vaccine-strain Herpes Zoster.

We present a case of herpes zoster ophthalmicus in an otherwise healthy 14-month-old male associated with vaccine-strain varicella-zoster virus 11 weeks after monovalent varicella vaccine administration. Herpes zoster ophthalmicus, especially in the setting of familial immunoglobulin A deficiency, prompted further immunologic workup. A high index of suspicion is necessary for timely diagnosis and treatment of vaccine-strain herpes zoster.

Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus: A Review for the Internist.

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus occurs due to reactivation of the varicella zoster virus in the ophthalmic branch of the fifth cranial nerve. This disease primarily affects the elderly as well as the immunocompromised and can result in a wide range of ophthalmic morbidity. Systemic antiviral therapy is the mainstay of treatment; however, consultation with an ophthalmologist is typically indicated. Herein we present a review of this common entity including epidemiology, pathophysiology, evaluation, treatment, follow-up, and an update on the current body of literature.

Queratitis estromal en un recién nacido. Etiología herpética, un posible diagnóstico / Stromal keratitis in a neonate: Herpes virus a diagnosis to consider

OBJETIVO: La queratitis neonatal por herpes simple es un proceso infrecuente asociado con una morbilidad significativa. CASO CLÍNICO: Se presenta el caso de una niña recién nacida vía vaginal que desarrolla una queratoconjuntivitis, en ausencia de historia médica maternal de infección activa por herpes simple. El diagnóstico se realizó en base a la alta sospecha clínica y el uso de pruebas diagnósticas. DISCUSIÓN: La queratitis neonatal por herpes simple es un proceso infrecuente asociado con una morbilidad significativa

OBJECTIVE: Neonatal herpes simple virus (HSV) keratitis, relatively uncommon are associated with significant morbidity. CASE REPORT: The case is presented of a newborn girl who developed herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratoconjunctivitis, despite a vaginal delivery, and the absence of medical history or active clinical maternal HSV infection. Diagnosis relies on a high level of clinical suspicion and the use of diagnostic tests. DISCUSSION: Neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratitis, although relatively uncommon, is associated with significant morbidity

Necrotising herpetic retinopathies: a review and progressive outer retinal necrosis case report.

Necrotising retinopathies can be visually devastating. Most often associated with the viral family Herpesviridae and seen in both immune-competent and immunocompromised hosts, possible complications of necrotising retinopathies include progressive retinal necrosis with or without macular involvement, optic neuropathy and ultimately, secondary retinal detachment. Examples include progressive outer retinal necrosis, acute retinal necrosis and cytomegaloviral retinitis. If diagnosed early and treated aggressively, visual complications can be prevented; however, there is no current consensus on the most appropriate antiviral regimen for each of the different varieties of necrotising herpetic retinopathy. This paper reviews aspects of varieties of necrotising herpetic retinopathy, including pathophysiology, treatment and diagnostic testing.

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus reactivation following maxillary sinus lift operation: A case report.

PURPOSE: To present a case of Herpes Zoster Ophtalmicus (HZO), which was reactivated postoperatively after a sinus lift operation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 39-year-old male was referred to our clinic for implant-supported dental rehabilitation. He had maxillary missing teeth in positions 13, 14, 15 and 16 and a pneumatised right maxillary sinus with a bone height of 2 mm. Lateral sinus lifting and bone block grafting was performed before implant insertion. Twelve days after the sinus lift, the patient complained of pain and itching at the infraorbital area extending to the forehead. Clinical examination revealed no signs of infection or allergy. The patient received consultation from a dermatologist in order to rule out a possible dermatological disorder. Finally he was diagnosed with HZO. RESULTS: HZO was managed with systemic acyclovir treatment. Vesicular rashes and ptosis was seen 3 days after the medical treatment. After 1 month no postoperative skin or orbital sequela was seen. Three implants were inserted at the right posterior maxilla 5 months after sinus lift. One-year followup was uneventful. CONCLUSIONS: Dermatological diseases should always be kept in mind during the differential diagnosis of orofacial pain. In this case the proximity of the operation site and affected area gave rise to the idea that surgical trauma had a possible role in the reactivation of the virus. However, the process of reactivation is not entirely understood and requires further investigations. Early diagnosis is essential for HZO in order to avoid debilitating complications such as postherpetic neuralgia and blindness.

Ocular complications in children after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation without total body irradiation.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to evaluate whether hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) without conditioning Total Body Irradiation (TBI) had lower or milder ocular complication rates in the pediatric population. METHODS: This study included all children who underwent HSCT without conditioning TBI at the Chaim Sheba Medical Center between the years 2001 and 2008. All children had an ophthalmic evaluation prior to and every four months after HSCT. RESULTS: Of the 33 children who initially comprised this study, ten did not complete the minimal follow-up of four months, and were, thus, excluded from the study. Follow-up of the remaining 23 children ranged from four to 117 months. Dry eye related to chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) developed in eight children (35 %). In three cases, an additional complication was observed : corneal abscess, herpes zoster ophthalmicus, and bilateral subcapsular cataract (one case each). Posterior segment or neuro-ophthalmological complications were not observed in any patient. CONCLUSION: In our study group, the preclusion of conditioning TBI before HSCT did not result in a decreased ocular complication rate compared to past publications, but complications were relatively mild and confined only to the anterior segment.

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus following onabotulinumtoxinA administration for chronic migraine: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: There is a growing body of literature documenting local herpes zoster outbreak following procedures. The mechanism underlying these outbreaks remains elusive. We present a case of zoster following onabotulinumtoxinA (BTX) for migraine and a literature review. METHODS: Chart and literature review. CASE: A 72-year-old woman with chronic migraine received BTX injections for 3 years without incident. She had a history of thoracic zoster with subsequent post-herpetic neuralgia. In August 2013, 48 hours after receiving BTX injections, she developed a painful rash in the right V1 distribution consistent with herpes zoster ophthalmicus. One week later the rash had resolved without treatment. LITERATURE REVIEW: We identified 65 (including 2 from Juel-Jenson) cases of zoster reactivation following minor procedures. These cases tend to be in young patients without specific risk factors. Outbreaks characteristically occur at the level of exposure to local trauma. DISCUSSION: Our review suggests that local trauma, regardless of the nature of stimuli, may be sufficient for zoster reactivation. We hypothesize that the stressors in these reported cases exert a local epigenetic influence on viral transcription, allowing for viral reactivation. CONCLUSION: Zoster is a potential complication of BTX administration for chronic migraine in adults. Physician awareness can reduce the significant morbidity associated with this disease.

A prospective study of the clinical characteristics of patients with herpes simplex and varicella zoster keratitis, presenting to a New Zealand emergency eye clinic.

PURPOSE: To identify the demographic and clinical associations of patients presenting with herpetic keratitis in New Zealand compared with presentations of presumed microbial keratitis. METHODS: A prospective, 6-month, observational case series of presumed microbial keratitis (including marginal keratitis), specifically identifying all cases of herpes simplex and varicella zoster keratitis attending an emergency eye clinic was conducted. Main outcome measures included demographics, presenting signs and symptoms, and medical, ocular, and drug history. RESULTS: A total of 140 cases of herpetic keratitis were identified, which comprised 125 cases of herpes simplex virus (89%) and 15 cases of varicella zoster virus (11%). Herpes simplex keratitis was associated with a history of keratitis (n = 58, phi = 0.24, P < 0.0001), Maori ethnicity (n = 27, phi = 0.26, P < 0.0001), respiratory disease (n = 18, phi = 0.14, P = 0.009), corticosteroid use (n = 23, phi = 0.22, P < 0.0001), and cardiovascular disease (CVD) (n = 10, phi = 0.11, P = 0.03). Inverse association was observed between herpes simplex keratitis and ocular surface disease (n = 8, phi = -0.16, P < 0.002) and Asian ethnicity (n = 4, phi = -0.11, P = 0.04). Varicella zoster keratitis was associated with CVD (n = 3, phi = 0.15, P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with asthma, CVD, on long-term corticosteroid inhalers or creams, or of Maori ethnicity need particular assessment to investigate herpes simplex as a possible cause of keratitis. Clinicians prescribing inhaled corticosteroids or topical corticosteroid creams should be aware of possible association with herpes simplex keratitis.

Herpes zoster stromal keratitis after varicella vaccine booster in a pediatric patient.

PURPOSE: In this study, the case of a healthy pediatric patient who presented with herpes zoster (HZ) stromal keratitis after vaccination with live attenuated varicella vaccine (Varivax) and subsequent booster is described. METHOD: This is a retrospective case review. RESULTS: A 6-year-old girl with no medical history presented with HZ ophthalmicus and stromal keratitis. She had received the original Varivax vaccine at 1 year of age and a booster 1 year before presentation. Topical prednisolone acetate was started with subsequent improvement in inflammation and visual acuity. However, the patient was unable to be completely tapered off the steroids because of reactivation. CONCLUSIONS: HZ ophthalmicus with stromal keratitis is a rare but potentially damaging manifestation of the varicella zoster virus in the pediatric population. Long-term data regarding reactivation rates in the post-vaccination era are still limited. Close follow-up is needed to ensure resolution of the infiltrates, and reactivation may require long-term steroid therapy.

Late reactivation of herpes zoster keratitis results in band keratopathy.

PURPOSE: To report an unusual case of a late-stage reactivation of immune stromal keratitis associated with herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO), occurring without any apparent predisposing factors, more than 4 years after an acute zoster dermatomal rash. Significant corneal hypoesthesia and a central band keratopathy developed within 6 months of the late-stage reactivation. The clinical case management, issues associated with management, and management options are discussed, including the use of standardized, regulatory approved, antibacterial medical honey. CASE REPORT: An 83-year-old woman presented for routine review with a reactivation of right anterior stromal keratitis and mild anterior uveitis, occurring more than 4 years after an acute HZO dermatomal rash and an associated initial episode of anterior stromal keratitis. Corneal sensation became markedly impaired, and over the subsequent 6 months, a right central band keratopathy developed despite oral antiviral and topical steroid therapy. Visual acuity with pinhole was reduced to 20/100 in the affected eye and moderate irritation and epiphora were experienced. The patient declined the surgical intervention options of chelation, lamellar keratectomy, and phototherapeutic keratectomy to treat the band keratopathy. Longer-term management has involved preservative-free artificial tears, eyelid hygiene, standardized antibacterial medical honey, topical nonpreserved steroid, and UV-protective wraparound sunglasses. The clinical condition has improved over 14 months with this ocular surface management regimen, and visual acuity of 20/30 is currently achieved in a comfortable eye. CONCLUSIONS: The chronic and recurrent nature of HZO can be associated with significant corneal morbidity, even many years after the initial zoster episode. Long-term review and management of patients with a history of herpes zoster stromal keratitis are indicated following the initial corneal involvement. Standardized antibacterial medical honey can be considered in the management of the chronic ocular surface disease associated with HZO and warrants further evaluation in clinical trials.

External ophthalmoplegia with orbital myositis in an adult patient after chickenpox infection.

Herpes zoster and chickenpox are caused by a single virus, varicella-zoster virus. Herpes zoster ophthalmicus-associated ophthalmoplegia is well documented. Very rarely, herpes zoster and chickenpox cause external ophthalmoplegia. A 48-year-old man was diagnosed with chickenpox and treated with intravenous acyclovir. He suddenly reported diplopia and restricted left eye movement. MRI of the orbit revealed thickening and abnormal contrast enhancement of the preseptal space and lateral rectus muscle of the left eye. In this case, external ophthalmoplegia occurred following chickenpox with radiological evidence of orbital myositis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of external ophthalmoplegia of radiologically confirmed orbital myositis after chickenpox infection.

Ophthalmic manifestations of herpes zoster virus in patients with multiple myeloma following bone marrow transplantation.

We report three patients with ophthalmic herpes zoster (HZ) manifestations on the background diagnosis of multiple myeloma (MM). It seems that immunocompromised status has caused reactivation of the varicella zoster virus (VZV) producing a well-characterised neurological syndrome and subsequent postherpetic neuralgia in two patients. One patient experienced lymphocytic leptomeningitis resulting in unilateral optic neuritis. All patients received similar myeloma disease-specific treatment prior to HZ reactivation. All patients were treated with thalidomide and steroids, and they thereafter underwent autologous stem cell transplantation. Prior to HZ reactivation they received new immunomodulatory drugs in the form of thalidomide in addition to bortezomib (2 patients) and lenalidomide (1 patient). Immediate specific antiviral therapy was successfully applied with intravenous acyclovir for 10 days, followed by long-term oral famciclovir maintenance. Two patients progressed to have chronic HZ ophthalmicus and postherpetic neuralgia requiring ongoing antiviral therapy and neuroepileptic medications for the neuropathic pain.