Abstract
Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) encephalitis in the absence of vasculopathy may rarely occur in association with herpes zoster. We herein report the case of a 67-year-old woman with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma undergoing chemotherapy who presented with an acute alteration in consciousness. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed multiple and nonspecific lesions of hyperintensity with mild edema in the cortex and subcortex. She was treated with intravenous acyclovir. However, two days after admission, the patient died and was diagnosed with VZV encephalitis. This case highlights the risk of VZV reactivation with severe neurological complications in patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy.
Keywords:
encephalitis; histopathology; varicella-zoster virus.
MeSH terms
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Acyclovir / therapeutic use
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Aged
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Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / adverse effects*
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Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
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Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
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Autopsy
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Brain / pathology
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Cyclophosphamide / adverse effects
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Cyclophosphamide / therapeutic use
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Doxorubicin / adverse effects
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Doxorubicin / therapeutic use
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Encephalitis, Varicella Zoster / drug therapy
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Encephalitis, Varicella Zoster / etiology*
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Female
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Herpesvirus 3, Human
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Humans
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Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / drug therapy*
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging / adverse effects
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Prednisone / adverse effects
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Prednisone / therapeutic use
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Rituximab / adverse effects
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Rituximab / therapeutic use
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Vincristine / adverse effects
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Vincristine / therapeutic use
Substances
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Antiviral Agents
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R-CHOP protocol
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Rituximab
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Vincristine
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Doxorubicin
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Cyclophosphamide
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Prednisone
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Acyclovir