Objective: To describe clinical, MRI and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) features of a varicella zoster virus (VZV) related meningo-encephalo-myelitis (MEM) without rash in an immunocompetent female.
Patient: An 85 year old immunocompetent woman with mild hyperthermia and acute, severe MEM.
Intervention: Serum antibodies and CSF PCR were searched for several viruses. Brain and spinal cord MRI were performed. Immunological profile.
Treatments: i.v. acyclovir 30 mg/kg/day; i.v. 6-MP 125 mg/day.
Results: Marked CSF lymphomonocytic pleocytosis, blood-brainbarrier damage, and PCR detection of 3.05 X 10 6 copies of VZV DNA. MRI revealed lesions of the meninges, brain and spinal cord. No evidence of immunosuppression.
Conclusion: We highlight the importance of considering the possibility of VZV related MEM, even in immunocompetent patients. We also provide a MRI description of VZV related multifocal myelitis, not previously available. As supported by other reports, we underline the necessity of a prompt therapeutic intervention in this life-threatening condition.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10072-008-0982-6 | DOI Listing |
Cureus
December 2024
Department of Interventional Neuroradiology, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, GRC.
In this case, we present the case of a 74-year-old female patient who visited the University Hospital of Patras, Greece, because of a 10-day history of earache and discharge in the left ear. Concurrently, the patient exhibited ipsilateral peripheral facial nerve palsy. We also observed vesicular eruption at the auricle and the external auditory canal (EAC) of the left ear.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCase Rep Surg
January 2025
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Cork University Hospital, Cork, County Cork, Ireland.
A rare case of Fournier's gangrene (FG) secondary to varicella-zoster virus (VZV) affecting the penis and scrotum of a 7-year-old boy is presented. To the authors' knowledge, there are four cases of FG in children as a result of VZV reported to date. Our patient underwent a total of four surgical debridements and was reconstructed using a split-thickness skin graft (SSG).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFNarra J
December 2024
Department of Dermatology Venereology and Aesthetic, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia.
Varicella, caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), is rarely reported in the elderly but often complicates with pneumonia. In this case report, we present a case of varicella pneumonia in the elderly. A 60-year-old man presented to the emergency room with vesicles filled with clear fluid that had appeared all over the body for the past four days.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Med Virol
January 2025
Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Suqian First People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suqian, Jiangsu, China.
Varicella, a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), remains prevalent in China despite the introduction of the varicella vaccine in 1997. The current vaccination protocol in China involves a voluntary, self-funded single-dose regimen. This study aims to investigate the longevity of immune response in Chinese children following two-dose varicella vaccination administered at different intervals, with the objective of optimizing vaccination strategies.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJAAD Case Rep
January 2025
Department of Dermatology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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