Abstract

 

Herpes zoster (zona) is an infection with acute vesicular eruption due to the varicella zoster virus. A painful skin rash characterizes herpes zoster, with dermatomal distribution in a limited area on one side of the body. A 49-year-old Caucasian male with chronic lymphocytic leukemia presented with sudden onset of painful vesicles on the right abdomen. He was receiving fludarabine for the treatment of Chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The patient was neutropenic and diagnosed as zona zoster based on history and physical examination; acyclovir treatment was initiated. After 3 days of the treatment he developed florid disseminated erythematous vesicles over his entire body, including the face and scalp. Tzanck smear showed varicella zoster. Despite acyclovir treatment diffuse infiltration was observed in the lungs of the patient, with hyperthermia and dyspnea. Pneumonia was consisted with thoracic computed tomography. The patient’s hyperthermia did not respond to teikoplanin, meropenem and intravenous immunoglobulin. He died.

Key Words: Herpes Zoster; Zona; Infection; Fludarabine; Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.