Post Varicella lung fibrosis: a lingering scar of viral pneumonia

Varicella pneumonia occurs in 5%-15% of adults with primary varicella infection. While acute pulmonary complications of varicella pneumonia are well described, there are limited data on its long-term sequelae. We report a rare case of post varicella lung fibrosis that presented to us 2½ years after an uneventful recovery from varicella pneumonia. What makes this case unique is the demonstration of characteristic inclusion bodies in the histology specimen and the positive PCR test for varicella DNA, which substantiated the diagnosis and elucidated the possibility of long-term viral persistence. This case highlights the importance of considering viral infections like varicella as a potential cause of unexplained interstitial lung disease in previously affected individuals.