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Acute postoperative shingles after thoracic sympathectomy for hyperhidrosis
Malek G Massad1, Rafael A Navarro, Helene Rubeiz
1Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, USA. mmassad@uic.edu
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|November 25, 2004
Summary
Acute postoperative shingles, a reactivation of varicella-zoster virus, developed in a teen after thoracic sympathectomy. This case highlights potential triggers for shingles following surgery.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Dermatology
Background:
- Shingles (herpes zoster) results from varicella-zoster virus (VZV) reactivation.
- Post-traumatic and post-surgical shingles have been documented.
- Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is the causative agent of both chickenpox and shingles.
Observation:
- A 17-year-old female with a history of childhood chickenpox presented with acute shingles.
- The shingles manifested along the T3-T4 dermatomes post-thoracic sympathectomy.
- The patient underwent surgery for hyperhidrosis.
Findings:
- The case details the occurrence of acute postoperative shingles.
- The T3-T4 dermatome distribution suggests a specific VZV reactivation pattern.
- The patient's prior varicella-zoster virus infection history is noted.
Implications:
- This case underscores the risk of VZV reactivation after surgical procedures, even in young individuals.
- Understanding precipitating factors for postoperative shingles is crucial for patient management.
- Further research into the link between thoracic sympathectomy and shingles may be warranted.