Maxillary Zoster and Neurotrophic Keratitis following Trigeminal Block

We report a case of reactivated maxillary herpes zoster combined with neurotrophic keratitis due to percutaneous 2nd and 3rd branch of trigeminal nerve block with alcohol to treat trigeminal neuralgia. A 57-year-old female came to the ophthalmology department complaining of decreased visual acuity and skin vesicle over the right lower lid and cheek. She had undergone right trigeminal nerve block for treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. Clinical examination revealed neurotrophic keratitis and maxillary herpes zoster. She was treated with oral and topical antivirals and vigorous lubrication with eye drops. Her neurotrophic keratitis showed a slow recovery. Although a few cases of herpes zoster following nerve block have been described, it would appear that a case of simultaneous maxillary herpes zoster and neurotrophic keratitis following trigeminal block has not yet been documented. It is possible that trigeminal nerve block may cause reactivation of latent virus and refractory neurotrophic keratitis.Case Rep Ophthalmol 2019;10:61 –66
Source: Case Reports in Ophthalmology - Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research