A rare case of trigeminal trophic syndrome with periorbital cellulitis and full-thickness upper eyelid defect in an undiagnosed patient with human immunodeficiency virus: a case report

BackgroundTrigeminal trophic syndrome is a rare cranial and facial condition caused by damage to the central or peripheral branches of the trigeminal nerve. This syndrome consists of a triad of anesthesia, paresthesia, and crescent-shaped facial ulcer involving the ala nasi and sometimes extending to the upper lip. Although previous screening for human immunodeficiency virus in some patients with trigeminal trophic syndrome was negative, we present a unique case of trigeminal trophic syndrome who tested positive for human immunodeficiency virus with eye complications.Case presentationWe present a rare case of trigeminal trophic syndrome in a 44-year-old Black African woman who tested positive for human immunodeficiency virus. She presented with a 6-week history of progressive, persistent, and painless left sided facial and scalp ulcerations that started as small skin erosion. Diagnosis of trigeminal trophic syndrome was made on clinical grounds based on the triad of anesthesia, paresthesia, and unilateral crescent-shaped ulcer in the trigeminal dermatome and her past medical history. The ulcer healed completely after counseling and pharmacological therapy, but she later developed left periorbital cellulitis and left upper eyelid full-thickness defect.ConclusionThis is by far the first documented case of trigeminal trophic syndrome with a positive human immunodeficiency virus test. Testing for human immunodeficiency virus in patients with trigeminal trophic syndrome is necessary as this can help improve clinical management and treatment outcomes. Seeking the services of specialists remotely in resource constraint settings is beneficial for managing complications associated with trigeminal trophic syndrome.