Human Herpesvirus 6A Infection-Associated Acute Anterior Uveitis

Abstract

Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) infection can cause ophthalmic diseases in immunocompetent patients, recipients of bone marrow transplants, and patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). This study describes the case of a healthy 37-year-old male who presented with unilateral anterior uveitis (AU), significant anterior chamber exudation, pupillary membrane closure, increased intraocular pressure, and eyelid edema. Notably, HHV-6A was the only pathogenic agent identified in the blood and aqueous humor. The patient was treated with foscarnet sodium and ganciclovir, showing effective results. Additionally, based on the literature review, the hypothesized mechanism underlying HHV-6A-associated AU was discussed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of HHV-6A involvement in ocular inflammation and may provide a theoretical basis for further investigations of occurrences of HHV-6A-associated acute AU in clinical settings.

Keywords: acute anterior uveitis; human herpesvirus 6A; secondary glaucoma.

Figure 1

Images of the anterior segment of the right eye at initial diagnosis (A), the 1^st day post-surgery (B), and 2 months post-treatment (C). The results of the B-ultrasound examination (D), optical coherence tomography (E), and fundoscopy (F) of the right eye, showing no significant abnormality.

Figure 2

Ultrasound Biomicroscope images showing the change of the anterior chamber inflammation before (A) and after (B) antiviral treatment. The ocular magnetic resonance imaging showing the changes in the eyelids and lacrimal glands before (C) and after (D) antiviral treatment.

Figure 3

Images of the anterior segment (A), fundoscopy (B), B-ultrasound examination (C), and optical coherence tomography (D) of the left eye, showing no significant abnormality.

Figure 4

Representative 5x (A) and 20x (B) images of the removed exudate stained with hematoxylin and eosin.