Orbital apex syndrome as a complication of herpes zoster ophthalmicus

Abstract

Orbital apex syndrome is a rare neuro-ophthalmic manifestation of herpes zoster virus infection. We report one such case with favourable outcome in an immunocompetent patient. A 60-year-old woman presented with rash in the dermatome of the left ophthalmic nerve (V1), followed by sudden loss of vision with complete left-sided external and internal ophthalmoplegia. MRI of brain and orbits with contrast revealed optic perineuritis and myositis without intracranial involvement confirming the diagnosis of orbital apex syndrome. Functional visual recovery was achieved after a course of intravenous and oral steroids under antiviral cover over a follow-up period of 3 months.