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Plaquing of Herpes Simplex Viruses
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Herpes zoster presenting as unilateral vasculitis
Ashley K Clark, Julie Dhossche, Veselina B Korcheva
1Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon. kellerje@ohsu.edu.
Dermatology Online Journal
|January 31, 2019
Summary
A rare case of small vessel vasculitis caused by varicella-zoster virus infection in a patient with sarcoidosis is presented. This highlights the diagnostic challenges of atypical viral infections in immunocompromised individuals.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Vasculitis encompasses primary disorders and secondary manifestations of viral infections.
- Sarcoidosis is a multisystem inflammatory disease with diverse clinical presentations.
- Varicella-Zoster virus (VZV) infections are common, particularly in immunosuppressed patients.
Observation:
- A patient with multisystem sarcoidosis presented with an atypical, localized cutaneous VZV infection.
- The VZV infection induced a small vessel vasculitis, complicating the clinical picture.
- Uncharacteristic manifestations of VZV infection can occur in immunocompromised individuals.
Findings:
- The case illustrates a unique presentation of VZV-induced small vessel vasculitis.
- Differential diagnoses for vasculitis and VZV infections were considered.
- Treatment strategies for this complex presentation were discussed.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering atypical VZV infections in the differential diagnosis of vasculitis, especially in sarcoidosis patients.
- Recognizing unusual VZV manifestations is crucial for timely diagnosis and management in immunocompromised populations.
- Further research may elucidate the interplay between VZV, vasculitis, and sarcoidosis.
