A Rare Case of Optic Disc Swelling Associated With Herpes Simplex Virus Infection

Ocular HSV infection is usually caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV) which establishes latency in the trigeminal ganglion. Ocular involvement presents as a manifestation of primary infection or the recurrence of latent disease and affects all ocular tissues. Meningitis or encephalitis typically manifests as headaches and meningeal symptoms and is frequently associated with papilledema, a condition caused by elevated intracranial pressure. Here, we describe a rare case of optic disc swelling as a manifestation of HSV infection. Although the patient did not experience meningeal signs, headaches, or apparent intracranial hypertension, he presented with optic disc swelling without any ocular or retinal disorders. The intrathecal antibody titer index for HSV increases with pleocytosis. Antiviral treatment significantly reduced optic disc swelling, suggesting an association between HSV infection and swelling. Optic disc swelling can be the only presentation of an HSV infection, and antiviral medication may be an effective treatment.