Varicella Zoster Meningitis in an Immunocompetent Child.
10.26815/jkcns.2018.26.1.74
- Author:
Ye Jeong KIM
1
;
Young Bin CHOI
;
Dong Hyun KIM
;
Young Se KWON
Author Information
1. Medical Graduate School, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Korea.
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Varicella zoster virus;
Herpes zoster;
Meningitis;
Immunocompetent
- MeSH:
Acyclovir;
Adolescent;
Brain;
Cerebrospinal Fluid;
Chickenpox*;
Child*;
Diagnosis;
Exanthema;
Fever;
Headache;
Herpes Zoster*;
Herpesvirus 3, Human;
Hospitalization;
Humans;
Immunoglobulins;
Magnetic Resonance Imaging;
Male;
Meningitis*;
Meningitis, Viral;
Physical Examination;
Polymerase Chain Reaction;
Reference Values;
Skin;
Thoracic Wall;
Vomiting
- From:
Journal of the Korean Child Neurology Society
2018;26(1):74-76
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Neurologic complications associated with varicella zoster virus (VZV) are rare in children. A 13-year-old boy was hospitalized due to headache, fever, and vomiting. Aseptic viral meningitis was strongly suspicious based on findings on physical exam, cerebrospinal fluid examination, and brain magnetic resonance imaging. On the second day of hospitalization, typical zosteriform rashes developed on his left chest wall across the T7-T8 dermatome. Tzanck test of the skin lesion was positive and polymerase chain reaction test for VZV was positive on the second cerebrospinal fluid examination. Serum immunoglobulin levels were within normal range. Intravenous acyclovir was started and symptoms and signs of meningitis gradually improved and the patient was discharged without any complications. In immunocompetent children, VZV meningitis is rare and requires rapid diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, it is necessary to prompt diagnosis and treatment thorough medical history, physical examination and laboratory examination.
