Herpes zoster ophthalmicus and varicella zoster virus vasculopathy

• Main Authors: Francisco Bandeira, Marina Roizenblatt, Guido Carlos Levi, Denise de Freitas, Rubens Belfort Jr.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Conselho Brasileiro de Oftalmologia 2016-04-01
• Series: Arquivos Brasileiros de Oftalmologia
• Subjects: Herpervirus humano 3; Herpes zoster oftálmico; Acidente vascular cerebral; Vacina contra herpes zoster
• Online Access: http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0004-27492016000200126&lng=en&tlng=en

ABSTRACT Herpes zoster (HZ) corresponds to the reactivation of varicella zoster virus (VZV). Among adults, the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve is one of the most common sites of involvement. Vasculopathy caused by HZ is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, affecting structures such as the brain, which can lead to stroke. In this review, we analyzed the epidemiological and clinical aspects of the vascular involvement of VZV, focusing on the peculiarities of its association with ocular HZ. A review of the available literature indicated that ocular involvement of HZ was a risk factor for vasculopathy after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, smoking, indicators of metabolic syndrome, and vascular and heart diseases. Considering the severity of this complication, vascular disease mediated by VZV requires early diagnosis and aggressive treatment. Finally, the anti-HZ vaccine has been recommended as a prophylactic measure in the elderly, but it should be used with caution in immunocompromised individuals.