Optic neuritis in herpes zoster ophthalmicus

Background: Optic neuritis in herpes tester ophthalmicus (HZO) has been rep orted rarely. We report two cases of HZO optic neuritis with detailed magne tic resonance imaging study and treatment responses. Cases: One patient presented with anterior optic nerve involvement, and the second presented with retrobulbar optic neuritis. Contrast enhanced T-1-we ighted images were obtained in these 2 patients. Intravenous acyclovir and oral prednisolone were given simultaneously. Observations: Magnetic resonance imaging revealed peripheral enhancement of the optic nerve sheath complex on T-1-weighted scan. Both patients recover ed their vision within 3 months following the start of treatment. Conclusions: Magnetic resonance imaging is helpful for the diagnosis of HZO optic neuritis. Systemic acyclovir and steroid are effective in the treatm ent of HZO optic neuritis. (C) 2000 Japanese Ophthalmological Society.