Retina-Vitreous
2008 , Vol 16 , Num 3
The Value of Polymerase Chain Reaction in a Diagnostic Challenge: An Atypical Posterior Herpetic Uveitis
1Fatih Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Hastanesi Göz Hastalıkları, A.D., Ankara, Uzm. Dr.2Serbest Hekim, Ankara, Uzm. Dr.
3Gazi Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Göz Hastalıkları A.D., Ankara, Doç. Dr.
4Gazi Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Mikrobiyoloji A.D., Ankara, Doç. Dr.
5Gazi Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Göz Hastalıkları A.D., Ankara, Prof. Dr. An atypical posterior uveitis caused by Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is presented in this case report. Initially no specific etiology could be specified and posterior segment findings were progressive despite oral steroid therapy. Thereafter, a diagnostic vitrectomy was performed and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for HSV-DNA was found to be positive in the vitreous sample. Visual acuity improved from finger counting to 20/30 after vitrectomy and intravenous acyclovir therapy. HSV may play an important role in nonspecific, atypical ocular inflammations and the existence of HSV-DNA can be detected in ocular fluids and membranes with PCR, which can serve as an exceptionally valuable diagnostic tool for HSV infections. Keywords : Atypical viral uveitis, herpes simplex virus, polymerase chain reaction, vitreous biopsy
