Recurrent conjunctivitis and scleritis secondary to coexistent conjunctival pemiphigus vulgaris and cryptic herpes simplex infection: a case report.

Purpose: To report recurrent conjunctivitis and scleritis secondary to coexistent conjunctival pemiphigus vulgaris and cryptic herpes simplex infection.

Design: Case report.

Methods: Retrospective review.

Results: A 54-year-old woman presented with recurrent left eye irritation and redness. Four years earlier, she was diagnosed (biopsy) with cutaneous pemphigus vulgaris requiring immunomodulatory therapies. She was receiving oral acyclovir for recurrent genital herpes and intravenous immunoglobulin for pemphigus. Examination revealed unilateral necrotizing scleritis and conjunctivitis. Immunohistochemical staining of biopsies demonstrated conjunctival pemphigus and herpes in conjunctiva and sclera. Valacyclovir therapy brought resolution.

Conclusion: Cryptic ocular herpes may confound matters in someone with an autoimmune disease thought to be the sole source of ocular inflammation. Immunohistochemical analysis can resolve the mystery.