[An adult case of chickenpox with multiple nodular shadows on chest roentgenogram]

An adult case of chickenpox with a chest roentgenogram revealing multiple nodular shadows of 5 to 20 mm in diameter is reported. These shadows were different from those in previously reported varicella pneumonia cases especially with respect to size. Pulmonary function test showed disturbance in diffusion capacity, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid analysis revealed a decreased CD4/CD8 ratio. Transbronchial lung biopsy showed mild alveolitis and focal exudation and hemorrhage into the alveolar space, which were thought to correspond to the relatively large nodules on the chest roentgenogram. These findings suggest that multiple nodular shadows on the chest roentgenogram may been seen in some patients with chickenpox.