In herpes zoster ophtalmicus the Varicella Zoster Virus reproduces and causes an inflammatory proccess of ophtalmic-trigeminal facial skin, and occassionally other divisions ot this nerve.
Skin lesions present an histology of sterile vasculitis and granulomatous liponecrosis.
As a result skin necrosis may appear, as well as alveolar necrosis, teeth loss and fistulae. Late arteritis of the temporal artery as a complication of herpes zoster is an extremely uncommon proccess, in which it is not possible to demonstrate viral particles. It is considered a consequence of the proximity extension of the granulomatous vsaculitis to the carotid system, not a direct viral invasion. We present to cases of this entity. One affecting the ophtalmic and maxillary divisions, causing orbitary disease and gingivitis.