Understanding Hutchinson Sign and Ocular Involvement
Hutchinson sign is a specific clinical finding indicating a particular viral infection affecting the eye.
It is characterized by the presence of a rash on the tip of the nose, alongside herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO).
Hutchinson sign is a strong predictor that the eye itself is involved in the Herpes zoster infection.
Identifying the Causative Virus
- Herpes zoster, also known as shingles, is caused by the reactivation of the Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV).
- When VZV reactivates and affects the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve, it can lead to HZO.
- The involvement of the nasociliary nerve, a branch of the ophthalmic division, specifically predicts ocular complications. A rash on the tip of the nose signifies this nerve involvement.
- Therefore, Hutchinson sign is a hallmark of Herpes zoster ophthalmicus.
The other viruses listed (Herpes simplex, Epstein-Barr virus, Cytomegalovirus) can cause ocular manifestations, but Hutchinson sign is specifically associated with Herpes zoster.
Important Questions from Skin Infections
- Type-2 necrotizing fasciitis is caused by
- Tinea versicolor is caused by:
- Herald patch followed by rash is characteristic of:
Consider the following statements:
1. Boils/suppurative lesions around the nose must be promptly treated with antibiotics.
2. Suppurative lesions around the nose lead to cavernous sinus thrombosis.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Match List I with List II
List I (Physical Sign) List II (Medical Condition) A. Koebner phenomenon 1. Lepra reaction B. Erytdema nodosum 2. Pemphigus vulgaris C. Erytdema multiforme 3. Stevens-Johnson syndrome D. Nikolsky's sign 4. Psoriasis
