Article Text
Summary
Disseminated cutaneous varicella herpes zoster with visceral involvement is rare and seen almost exclusively in immunocompromised patients. We describe an unusual case of fulminant herpes zoster (HZ) in a healthy, immunocompetent 37-year-old woman. She initially presented to an urgent care centre with a classic HZ rash localised to her neck, and upper respiratory symptoms and was treated with prednisone and cephalexin. Within 1 week, the rash became diffuse and her clinical status rapidly deteriorated with development of severe acute respiratory distress syndrome. Varicella zoster infection was confirmed via skin biopsy, bronchial viral PCR and serology for varicella antibodies. She was successfully treated with intravenous acyclovir and aggressive supportive care. Though physicians readily recognise typical zoster infection, this case reminds clinicians that HZ infection can be fulminant and potentially life-threatening in younger, immunocompetent individuals. Early recognition and antiviral therapy is important to reduce morbidity and mortality.
- infectious diseases
- dermatology
- pneumonia (infectious disease)
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Footnotes
Contributors Both DMR and KJ have contributed significantly to all parts of the construction of this manuscript. DMR identified the case and obtained permission for presentation from the patient and was the primary author of the case presentation, treatment and patient follow-up sections, but also assisted with the introduction and discussion. KJ contributed significantly to all aspects of the case presentation, with significant focus on the discussion and teaching points.
Competing interests None declared.
Patient consent Obtained.
Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.