Forehead flap affected by a primary varicella-zoster infection in a pediatric patient. A case report
Roberto Martínez Mejorada1, Daniel E Saldívar Martínez1, Edgar A Peñarrieta Daher1
1Servicio de Cirugía Plástica, Estética y Reconstructiva, Hospital Universitario "Dr. José Eleuterio González" y Facultad de Medicina Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
Insights
Varicella-zoster virus infection can affect skin grafts. In this case, chickenpox lesions appeared on a forehead flap used for nasal tip reconstruction in a pediatric patient.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Plastic Surgery
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Exanthematous diseases are frequent in childhood.
- Varicella (chickenpox) is a common childhood illness.
- Nasal tip reconstruction often utilizes forehead flaps.
Observation:
- A 10-year-old girl underwent nasal tip reconstruction using an ipsilateral forehead flap.
- During hospitalization, the patient contracted primary varicella-zoster virus infection.
- Skin lesions characteristic of varicella appeared on the reconstructed forehead flap.
Findings:
- The study documents the unusual presentation of varicella-zoster virus infection on a pedicled forehead flap.
- This case highlights the potential for systemic dermatoses to manifest on reconstructed tissue.
- The evolution of skin lesions on the flap provides insights into flap vascularity and immune response.
Implications:
- Understanding flap response to systemic infections is crucial for reconstructive surgery.
- This case underscores the importance of considering systemic conditions in post-operative flap care.
- Further research may elucidate the specific mechanisms of dermatosis manifestation on grafted tissues.
Abstract:
Exanthematous diseases are common in childhood, and varicella is one of the most frequent. We present the case of a 10-year-old girl with partial avulsion of the nasal tip reconstructed with an ipsilateral forehead flap. During her hospital stay, she developed a primary varicella-zoster virus infection, in which the skin lesions also appeared on the forehead flap. Due to its unusual nature, it is important to understand the evolution of a flap affected by systemic dermatosis.
