Herpes Zoster in the Ulnar Nerve Distribution

2005 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 355-357 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. S. ATHWAL ◽  
S. A. BARTSICH ◽  
A. J. WEILAND

Varicella zoster is a ubiquitous virus which usually affects school-aged children as Chicken Pox. While the initial disease is self-limiting and seldom severe, the virus remains in the body. It lies dormant in the dorsal root ganglia and reactivation may occur years later with variable presentations as Herpes Zoster, or Shingles. While Shingles is common, it rarely presents exclusively in the upper extremity. It is important that hand surgeons recognize the possibility of zoster infection, with or without a rash, when evaluating the onset of neuralgia in a dermatomal distribution in the upper limb. Early diagnosis allows rapid and appropriate treatment, with a lower risk of complications. We report on a case of Herpes Zoster isolated to the ulnar nerve distribution in a young woman.

Author(s):  
Hala Edris ◽  
Abdullah Abualiat ◽  
Ayed Al Mordy

Varicella zoster is an omnipresent virus which commonly affects childhood as chicken pox. Although the primary infection is self-limiting and seldom severe, the virus remains dormant in the body. The virus resides in the dorsal root or cranial nerve ganglion and reactivation may occur years later as herpes zoster or "Shingles". Herpes zoster (HZ) can occur at any age but is rare in childhood and adolescents. Old aged and immunosuppressed subjects are at risk for developing the disease. The most common area involved in HZ is the trunk (dermatomes innervated by the thoracic nerves) and rarely presents exclusively in the upper extremity. We report a case of HZ isolated to the radial nerve distribution in a healthy 8 years boy. The reported case reveals the importance of considering zoster infection in young age, or uncommon sites when evaluating the onset of pain in a dermatomal distribution specially if associated with vesiculobullous rash.


2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 95-97
Author(s):  
Aaron Campeas ◽  
◽  
Eric J. Basile ◽  
◽  
◽  
...  

Varicella Zoster (shingles) virus is a double stranded DNA in the Herpesviridae family that can present as both chicken pox and as shingles. The virus enters through the respiratory system, replicating in the nasopharynx, and causes a viremia upon primary infection. Varicella Zoster spreads to other organs and often lies dormant in the dorsal root ganglion. Reactivation of the virus is more common in older or immunocompromised patients and often presents as a painful vesicular rash in a unilateral dermatomal distribution with possible concurrent radiculopathy. A rare complication of herpes zoster is urinary dysfunction. We report a case of a 42-year-old patient diagnosed with herpes zoster whose primary complaint was left buttock pain and a maculovesicular rash in the S2-S4 dermatomal distribution. She was prescribed Valacyclovir and began to experience urinary retention two days after starting the medication.


2021 ◽  
pp. 148-153
Author(s):  
Tetsuko Sato ◽  
Takenobu Yamamoto ◽  
Yumi Aoyama

Varicella zoster virus (VZV)-associated meningitis is usually progressive and can be fatal, and early diagnosis and aggressive treatment with intravenous antivirals such as acyclovir (ACV) are required in immunocompromised patients. Patients receiving corticosteroids and immunosuppressive therapy have a significantly higher risk of VZV-associated meningitis. In this report, we describe an unusual case of herpes zoster (HZ) in a young woman who was first diagnosed during tapering of prednisone for dermatomyositis. The skin lesions affected the left L2 and L3 dermatomes, which is unusual in VZV-associated meningitis. Despite showing a good rapid response to antivirals, she developed VZV-associated meningitis immediately after discontinuation of ACV. This phenomenon is often called rebound VZV reactivation disease and occurs after discontinuation of antivirals. This case was notable in that the affected dermatomes were distant from the cranial nerves. Thus, progression of HZ to VZV reactivation-associated meningitis can occur even in appropriately treated HZ patients. Continuation of antivirals beyond 1 week in patients on immunosuppressive therapy may be associated with a decreased risk of severe rebound VZV disease, such as VZV-associated meningitis.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (20;2) ◽  
pp. E209-E220 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Younis Makharita

Herpes zoster (HZ) is a painful, blistering skin eruption in a dermatomal distribution caused by reactivation of a latent varicella zoster virus in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG). Post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) is the most common complication of acute herpes zoster (AHZ). Severe prodrome, greater acute pain and dermatomal injury, and the density of the eruption are the risk factors and predictors for developing PHN. PHN has a substantial effect on the quality of life; many patients develop severe physical, occupational, social, and psychosocial disabilities as a result of the unceasing pain. The long-term suffering and the limited efficacy of the currently available medications can lead to drug dependency, hopelessness, depression, and even suicide. Family and society are also affected regarding cost and lost productivity. The pathophysiology of PHN remains unclear. Viral reactivation in the dorsal root ganglion and its spread through the affected nerve result in severe ganglionitis and neuritis, which induce a profound sympathetic stimulation and vasoconstriction of the endoneural arterioles, which decreases the blood flow in the intraneural capillary bed resulting in nerve ischemia. Our rationale is based on previous studies which have postulated that the early interventions could reduce repetitive painful stimuli and prevent vasospasm of the endoneural arterioles during the acute phase of HZ. Hence, they might attenuate the central sensitization, prevent the ischemic nerve damage, and finally account for PHN prevention. The author introduces a new Ten-step Model for the prevention of PHN. The idea of this newly suggested approach is to increase the awareness of the health care team and the community about the nature of HZ and its complications, especially in the high-risk groups. Besides, it emphasizes the importance of the prompt antiviral therapy and the early sympathetic blockades for preventing PHN. Key words: Acute herpes zoster, prevention, post-herpetic neuralgia, sympathetic blockade, tenstep model


2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hussain Al-Sardar

Herpes zoster (shingles) is an acute, painful, vesicular, and cutaneous eruption caused by varicella zoster virus, the same virus which causes chicken pox. It is due to the reactivation of the virus which remains dormant in sensory ganglions following chicken pox. It is usually confined to a single dermatome but may involve 2-3 dermatomes. Typically, it is a unilateral lesion which can affect both cranial and peripheral nerves. It is usually a self-limiting disease; however, it may cause significant morbidity especially in the elderly. It is more common in older people and individuals with immunocompromised conditions. Antiviral drugs can shorten the duration and the severity of the illness and need to be started as soon as possible after the appearance of the rash. Gabapentin and tricyclic antidepressant are effective in postherpetic neuralgia. Vaccine can reduce the risk of infection and its associated pain. Typically, it occurs once in a lifetime, but some individuals may have more than one episode.


e-CliniC ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christa C. Sondakh ◽  
Renate T. Kandou ◽  
Grace M. Kapantow

Abstract: Varicella or we also known as chicken pox is a primary acute infection disease by Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV), that infected skin and mucosa, and clinical symptoms of polymorph skin disorder located in the central of the body. There are no differences between sex and race. Varicella often infected younger people in temperate climates. In tropic and sub-tropic climates, they often infected older people. The virus is transmitted by droplet infection from the nasopharynx. The infection happens 2 days before and 3-7 days after the onset of the rash. Vesicle fluid contains a large amount of virus, but completely dry scabs are not infectious. Varicella confers lasting immunity and second attacks are uncommon. The purpose of this study to evaluate patients profile of varicella in the dermatovenereology clinic of Prof. Dr R. D. Kandou Hospital Manado in January 2012 - December 2012. This retrospective descriptive study is based on the number of cases, age, sex, season, source of infection, and therapy. The results of this study showed that out of the 27 varicella cases (2.68%), the most frequent age group is 15-24 years old (33.3%), female as the most infected gender (59.3%), the often season is summer (55.6%), source of infection unknown (92,6%), and the most used therapy is combination therapy of antivirus and topical antibiotic or systemic antibiotic (55.6%).Keywords: varicella, chicken pox, varicella zoster virus.Abstrak : Varisela atau yang biasa kita kenal dengan cacar air atau chicken pox adalah penyakit infeksi akut primer oleh Virus Varisela-Zoster (VVZ) yang menyerang kulit dan mukosa, klinis terdapat gejala konstitusi, disertai kelainan kulit polimorf, terutama berlokasi di bagian sentral tubuh. Tidak terdapat perbedaan jenis kelamin maupun ras. Varisela lebih sering menyerang usia muda pada daerah beriklim sedang. Sedangkan pada daerah beriklim tropis dan sub tropis umumnya menyerang usia yang lebih tua. Penularan virus secara kontak langsung atau droplet melalui nasofaring. Penularan terjadi 2 hari sebelum dan 3-7 hari sesudah lesi kulit muncul. Vesikel yang berisi cairan mengandung banyak virus, sedangkan pada lesi yang mengering tidak menular. Orang yang pernah menderita varisela telah terbentuk kekebalan sehingga jarang terjadi serangan kedua. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui profil varisela di Poliklinik Kulit dan Kelamin RSUP Prof. DR. R.D. Kandou Manado periode Januari-Desember 2012. . Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian deskriptif retrospektif berdasarkan jumlah kasus, umur, jenis kelamin, musim kejadian, sumber penularan, dan terapi. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa dari 27 kasus varisela (2,68%), terbanyak adalah kelompok umur 15-24 tahun (33,3%), jenis kelamin perempuan (59,3%), musim kejadian tersering adalah musim panas (55,6%), sumber penularan tidak diketahui (92,6%), dan terapi yang banyak digunakan adalah terapi kombinasi antivirus dan antibiotik topikal atau antibiotik sistemik (55,6%).Kata kunci : varisela, cacar air, chicken pox, virus varisela zoster.


2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. e39-e42
Author(s):  
Matthew Patel ◽  
Rachel Bierbrier ◽  
Katina Tzanetos

Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) primary infection causes chickenpox, often in young children, and is characterized by vesicular lesions on the face, limbs and trunk. In immunocompetent hosts, the infection is usually mild and self-limited. Following infection the virus remains dormant in the dorsal root ganglia but can reactivate, replicate and cause Herpes zoster (shingles), a painful vesicular eruption in a single dermatomal distribution.1, 2 Although Herpes zoster typically presents with this characteristic rash, there are reports of zoster sine herpete herpes zoster without the presence of a rash but with pain.1 Neurologic complications, including meningitis, encephalitis or myelitis can occur with acute infection or reactivation of VZV, but is uncommon in immunocompetent hosts, and even more rare without an exanthema.3 This report describes a case of reactivation VZV meningitis without any viral exanthema in a young healthy male.  


Author(s):  
Rukma L. Sharma ◽  
Rekha Sharma

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Herpes zoster results from the reactivation of varicella-zoster virus lying dormant in the dorsal root ganglia following an earlier primary infection (chickenpox), usually in childhood. The reactivation occurs due to multifactorial causes leading to decreased immunity.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> This study was conducted on 109 cases of herpes zoster. Patient’s particulars were noted. A detailed history was recorded; morphology, the site and side of skin lesions were recorded. Any other associated diseases were noted.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Out of 109 patients 66 were male and 43 were female. The total of 53 (48.6%) patients were under the age of 40 years and 56 (51.4%) patients above 40 years. Bhutias were affected in highest number (18.4%) followed by Sharma community (15.6%). The ophthalmic division of trigeminal nerve was the most commonly affected single nerve with 13.8% followed by T10 and T7 dermatome at 9.17% and 7.3% respectively. Thoracic nerves the most commonly involved thoracic nerves with 44 cases. Single dermatomal eruptions were found in 55 patients. The dissemination of herpes zoster was although very rare but was present in three patients. Type 2 diabetes mellitus was the common associated systemic illness with 10.09% of patients.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> From this study it was revealed that both young adults and older age group people were affected almost equally. The male: female ratio was 1.5:1 with Bhutia community being mostly affected. Thoracic dermatome was the most common dermatome involved and in half the patients some form of associated disease noted.</p>


2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-24
Author(s):  
Patricia Lago-López ◽  
◽  
María José Parrado-Alonso ◽  
Beatriz Villar-Fernández ◽  
Teresa Isabel Calheiros-Cruz ◽  
...  

Herpes zoster is caused by a reactivation of residual varicella zoster virus (VZV) which remains latent in the nerve ganglia, after primary chicken pox. Zoster or girdle refers to occurrence of the disease in a segmental distribution.


Author(s):  
Akshad Wadbudhe ◽  
Smita Damke

Herpes zoster (HZ) is a disease caused by the activation of the virus in the latent phase. The name of the virus is varicella-zoster virus (VZV). This virus remains in the dorsal root ganglia, the collection of neuronal cell bodies. It is known as reactivation because it is a secondary infection. The main or the old infection is chickenpox; it generally occurs in the early stages of life. This secondary infection is caused in the later stages of life in old age patients; if the patient is immunocompromised, this type of infection can cause death or make the patient unconscious. But in the world, many people have a variety of standard or uncommon signs and symptoms of this disease based on their body, diet, area, or even genetic features. This Herpes Zoster acts on the immune response called cell-mediated immunity and decreases it rapidly with the advance of age of the person. In the coming years, the incidences of this disease are gradually increasing because of the weakening of the immune system. The incidences also happened in people with defective immunity of cell-mediated type or due to the abuse of certain drugs. The herpes zoster is caused to the immunosuppressed patient more quickly than the average population. As there is no immune system to defend the body, some secondary infections can also be induced in these conditions and lead to death. This multiple infection can make a differential diagnosis. This review explains and understands the herpes zoster virus causing different complications in the body and other clinical things related to immunocompromised patients.


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