Retinal Granuloma Associated with Primary HHV6 Infection in an Immunocompetent Patient: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

ABSTRACT

Purpose

To report a case of unilateral retinal granuloma in a girl with concomitant primary HHV6 infection.

Case report

An otherwise healthy 15-year-old girl complained of progressive visual loss in her right eye (1.0 LogMar). The ocular features and medical history were consistent with the possibility of a viral infection. This diagnostic hypothesis was confirmed by the result of multiplex polymerase chain reaction analysis performed on a serum sample, which revealed the presence of HHV6 DNA. Serological HHV6 tests for the detection of IgG and IgM against HHV6 showed elevated IgM levels, a result suggestive of primary HHV6 infection. Accordingly, at first, intravenous ganciclovir and, then, oral valganciclovir were given. After 8 weeks, the retinal granuloma healed and visual acuity progressively reached 0.0 LogMar.

Conclusions

HHV6 primary infection may be associated with unilateral retinal granuloma in otherwise healthy patients. Antiviral drugs may be helpful in the treatment of this condition.

Keywords:

• Antiviral drugs
• HHV6
• immunocompetent patient
• primary infection
• retinal granuloma

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest.