Clinical analysis of 7 cases of varicella-zoster virus myelitis / 中国神经精神疾病杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of varicella zoster virus myelitis. Methods The clinical data of 7 varicella zoster virus myelitis patients were retrospectively analyzed and clinical follow-up was conducted. Results Seven patients had characteristic skin rash and symptoms of spinal cord injury. The initial symptoms including rash in 5 cases and spinal cord damage symptoms in 2 cases. The affected skin sections were consistent with the spinal cord segment in 4 cases, and below the level of spinal cord injury in 3 cases. All 7 cases were confirmed by spinal MRI with segmental spinal cord lesions as evidenced by long T1and long T2signals in the affected spinal cord including enhancing lesion in 2 cases. Lesions located in thoracic cord in 5 cases and in cervical cord in two cases.All patients received steroid hormone treatment.Among them,5 patients received additional antiviral treatment. After 12~36 months follow-up, 5 cases were cured, 1 case left with sphincter dysfunction and 1 case with slight numbness of hands. Conclusion Varicella zoster virus myelitis is characterized by characteristic rash and spinal cord symptoms.Antiviral drugs and corticosteroid therapy can yield better prognosis.