Thrombotic Microangiopathy Secondary to Disseminated Varicella Zoster Virus Infection in an Adult Patient

BACKGROUND Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is a life-threatening condition caused by small-vessel platelet microthrombi. While various disease triggering factors, including infections, have been well described, there have been few reports of an association between TMA and varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection. VZV infection is rare among people age 20 and older, and infection-induced TMA is mostly reported in the pediatric age group. We report a case of TMA induced by a disseminated VZV infection in an adult. CASE REPORT A 43-year-old man presented with a 3-day duration of fever, headache, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea. He also reported body rash after a recent contact with a few roommates with chickenpox. On presentation, the patient developed convulsive seizures. His laboratory test results were significant for acute kidney injury (AKI) and thrombocytopenia. Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) were suspected but further diagnostic testing was negative. The treatment plan included acyclovir, therapeutic plasma exchange, and high-dose oral prednisolone (1.5 mg/kg). The clinical and biochemical profile significantly improved, and the patient was discharged home. CONCLUSIONS TMA is a life-threatening hematological emergency with a high mortality rate. Compared to the pediatric population, VZV infection tends to be more severe in the adult age group. This case demonstrates that a high index of suspicion for TMA in adult patients with VZV who present with thrombocytopenia, even when there is no definitive diagnosis, can result in early management with favorable outcome.