Varicella-zoster virus transverse myelitis in the absence of skin lesions

Authors

  • Adriana Calil Bernardes Instituto de Infectologia Emílio Ribas - São Paulo - São Paulo - Brasil
  • Claudia Figueiredo Mello Instituto de Infectologia Emílio Ribas - São Paulo - São Paulo - Brasil

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5935/2764-734X.e20231231

Keywords:

Varicella zoster virus infection, Myelitis, Transverse, Zoster sine herpete, Case report

Abstract

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) myelitis is a rare complication in individuals without immune dysfunction, but relatively frequent in immunocompromised individuals. Neurological changes can be serious and lead to death or sequelae, especially if there is a delay in starting the treatment. We report the clinical case of a human immunodeficiency virus-infected trans woman complaining of urinary retention, paresis, and paresthesia of the lower limbs 10 days after the appearance of allodynia in a thoracic dermatome affected by herpes zoster in the past. There were no skin lesions at all, such as the vesicles and blisters typical of VZV reactivation, and all the complementary tests were unable to establish an unequivocal etiological diagnosis. Even so, empirical treatment with high-dose intravenous acyclovir for 14 days exhibited a satisfactory clinical response, with immediate partial reversal of the neurological deficits.

References

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Published

2023-02-27

How to Cite

Bernardes, A. C., & Mello, C. F. (2023). Varicella-zoster virus transverse myelitis in the absence of skin lesions. Infections in Evidence, 2, e20231231. https://doi.org/10.5935/2764-734X.e20231231

Issue

Vol. 2 (2023)

Section

Case Reports

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