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Atypical stromal herpes simplex keratitis: clinical features and diagnosis

  • Clinical Investigation
  • Published:
Japanese Journal of Ophthalmology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

To report atypical clinical features and diagnosis of stromal herpes simplex keratitis (HSK) and to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of tear HSV-sIgA in atypical HSK.

Study design

Prospective observational study.

Methods

Records of keratitis’ patients with tear herpes simplex virus (HSV)-sIgA test results acquired between May 2019 and November 2021 were evaluated retrospectively. Positive tear HSV-sIgA test was used to identify herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection. Patients with typical presentations and histories of HSV keratitis (HSK) were excluded.

Results

Eleven eyes of 11 patients initially diagnosed as keratitis caused by other etiology were confirmed as having HSV infection by positive results of tear HSV-sIgA. Clinical features of atypical stromal HSK were variable. Antiviral treatment was effective in all patients.

Conclusion

The appearance of an atypical stromal HSK represents a diagnostic challenge. Tear HSV-sIgA test could help provide a quick diagnosis.

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Data Availability

All data generated or analysed during this study are included in this published article.

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Acknowledgement

This work was supported by a grant from the Shanghai Science and Technology Development Foundation (19441901000).

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Author notes

    Authors and Affiliations

    1. Eye Institute, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China

      Ji-ni Qiu, Fei-fei Huang & Chao-ran Zhang

    2. Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Shanghai, 200031, China

      Ji-ni Qiu, Fei-fei Huang & Chao-ran Zhang

    3. Department of Clinical Laboratory, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China

      Chun-hong Liu & Wen-jun Cao

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    1. Ji-ni Qiu
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    Correspondence to Chao-ran Zhang.

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    J. Qiu, None; F. Huang, None; C. Liu, None; W. Cao, None; C. Zhang, None.

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    Corresponding Author: Chao-ran Zhang

    Ji-ni Qiu and Fei-fei Huang have contributed equally to this work.

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    Qiu, Jn., Huang, Ff., Liu, Ch. et al. Atypical stromal herpes simplex keratitis: clinical features and diagnosis. Jpn J Ophthalmol 67, 43–49 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10384-022-00963-8

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    • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10384-022-00963-8

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