Varicella Zoster Meningitis in an Immunocompetent Child / 대한소아신경학회지

ABSTRACT

Neurologic complications associated with varicella zoster virus (VZV) are rare in children. A 13-year-old boy was hospitalized due to headache, fever, and vomiting. Aseptic viral meningitis was strongly suspicious based on findings on physical exam, cerebrospinal fluid examination, and brain magnetic resonance imaging. On the second day of hospitalization, typical zosteriform rashes developed on his left chest wall across the T7-T8 dermatome. Tzanck test of the skin lesion was positive and polymerase chain reaction test for VZV was positive on the second cerebrospinal fluid examination. Serum immunoglobulin levels were within normal range. Intravenous acyclovir was started and symptoms and signs of meningitis gradually improved and the patient was discharged without any complications. In immunocompetent children, VZV meningitis is rare and requires rapid diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, it is necessary to prompt diagnosis and treatment thorough medical history, physical examination and laboratory examination.