Varicella-zoster virus vasculitis: a case of recurrent varicella without epidermal involvement

Dermatology. 2000;200(2):173-5. doi: 10.1159/000018359.

Abstract

New types of diseases due to the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) are increasingly recognized. A case of cutaneous VZV vasculitis without epidermal involvement is presented. The patient received chemotherapy for a large B cell lymphoma. He presented a few painless papules on one hand and in the axilla. A lymphocytic vasculitis was evidenced. Immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of VZV in endothelial cells and dermal dendrocytes. Nerves and keratinocytes were free of the virus infection. Such a presentation probably represents a mild form of recurrent varicella with prominent but limited vascular involvement.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Herpes Zoster / complications*
  • Herpes Zoster / immunology
  • Herpesvirus 3, Human*
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell / drug therapy
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell / immunology
  • Male
  • Recurrence
  • Skin / virology
  • Skin Diseases, Vascular / complications
  • Skin Diseases, Vascular / pathology
  • Skin Diseases, Vascular / virology*
  • Vasculitis / complications
  • Vasculitis / pathology
  • Vasculitis / virology*