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Varicella zoster virus encephalitis in solid organ transplant recipients: Case series and review of literature
Author(s) -
Kang Minji,
Aslam Saima
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
transplant infectious disease
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.69
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1399-3062
pISSN - 1398-2273
DOI - 10.1111/tid.13038
Subject(s) - medicine , rash , varicella zoster virus , encephalitis , mortality rate , virus , disease , complication , organ transplantation , antiviral therapy , dermatology , immunology , transplantation , surgery , chronic hepatitis
Herpes zoster encephalitis (HZE) is a rare complication of varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection. We report two cases of HZE in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients and review 10 other cases in the literature. In this review, rash was present in 67% of cases. Despite the absence of a rash, high clinical suspicion for HZE is necessary and empiric antiviral therapy should be considered. While with variable outcome, it was associated with high mortality rate of 42%. Prompt initiation of antiviral therapy remains crucial in decreasing morbidity and mortality from this fatal disease.