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Chickenpox with delayed contralateral hemiparesis caused by cerebral angiitis
Annals of Neurology
|September 1, 1985
Summary
Chickenpox can lead to hemiparesis, a rare complication. This case shows varicella-zoster virus vasculitis following chickenpox, similar to herpes zoster ophthalmicus.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Chickenpox and herpes zoster ophthalmicus share the same causative agent: the varicella-zoster virus (VZV).
- Herpes zoster ophthalmicus is a known risk factor for contralateral hemiparesis, potentially due to VZV-induced vasculitis affecting cranial nerves.
Observation:
- A patient presented with hemiparesis following an episode of chickenpox.
- This clinical presentation is unusual, as hemiparesis is more commonly associated with herpes zoster ophthalmicus.
Findings:
- Angiographic evidence revealed vasculitis in the affected patient.
- The observed vasculitis pattern was similar to that previously documented in cases of herpes zoster ophthalmicus.
Implications:
- This case suggests that chickenpox, like herpes zoster ophthalmicus, can trigger VZV vasculitis leading to hemiparesis.
- The findings expand the understanding of VZV neurological complications and their underlying mechanisms.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise pathways and risk factors for VZV-related vasculitis in both chickenpox and herpes zoster ophthalmicus.