[Varicella-zoster virus meningoencephalitis without skin manifestation in an allogeneic bone marrow transplantation patient successfully treated with aciclovir]

Rinsho Ketsueki. 2007 Nov;48(11):1511-3.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

This report describes a 56-year-old man who developed meningoencephalitis as a result of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) without dermatomal manifestations. The patient received an allogeneic bone marrow transplantation for malignant lymphoma, and during treatment for chronic graft-versus-host disease, he presented with a fever and headache. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed an increased cell count with lymphocyte predominance and an extremely high amount of VZV DNA, and an MRI study showed multiple lesions of increased T2 intensity within deep white matter regions. Meningoencephalitis was diagnosed and the patient was successfully treated with aciclovir administered at a dose of 30 mg/kg/day for four weeks.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Acyclovir / therapeutic use*
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Bone Marrow Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Encephalitis, Varicella Zoster / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Meningoencephalitis / drug therapy*
  • Middle Aged
  • Transplantation, Homologous

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Acyclovir