Ocular Microbiology and Immunology Group
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2017 OMIG Abstract 6

Herpes Simplex Keratouveitis In Patients Treated with Intravitreal Injections
of Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
Prachi Dua, Amilia Schrier
Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital, Northwell Health, New York, New York

Purpose: The purpose of this case series is to describe the development of herpes simplex keratouveitis after treatment with intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections.

Methods:  Retrospective case series of four patients.

Results:  Four patients in our retrospective case series were treated for neovascular age-related macular degeneration or proliferative diabetic retinopathy with either Bevacizumab (avastin) or Aflibercept (eylea). Within one week of the injection, all patients presented with herpetic keratouveitis. (1) 70 year-old male with a medical history significant for hypertension and diabetes developed a geographic shaped corneal ulcer with uveitis. (2) 89 year-old female with a medical history significant for diabetes mellitus developed keratitis characterized by an elevated dendritic corneal lesion with anterior stromal haze and uveitis. (3) 64 year-old male with a medical history significant for diabetes mellitus and an ocular history significant for pars plana vitrectomy for non-clearing vitreous hemorrhage presented with a herpetic dendritic ulcer. (4) 69 year-old male presented with significant uveitis characterized by diffuse keratitic precipitates and peripheral stromal infiltrates. All patients were treated with oral Valacyclovir and topical steroids with marked improvement in keratouveitic findings.

Conclusion: Intravitreal anti-VEGF injections may trigger herpetic keratouveitis. Providers should be aware that this is a potential complication and consider prophylactic antiviral therapy.

Disclosure:  N

2017 Agenda and Abstracts | < Previous Next >