Varicella Zoster Virus Meningoencephalitis Presenting with Elsberg Syndrome without a Rash in an Immunocompetent Patient

Intern Med. 2015;54(16):2065-7. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.54.4341. Epub 2015 Aug 15.

Abstract

Varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection usually manifests with a skin rash. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a case of VZV meningoencephalitis presenting with Elsberg syndrome without a rash in an immunocompetent patient. Clinicians should consider the potential for VZV infection as well as herpes simplex virus infection in cases of aseptic meningitis accompanied by bladder and rectal disturbances, even in patients without any rash symptoms.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acyclovir / administration & dosage
  • Antiviral Agents / administration & dosage
  • DNA, Viral / isolation & purification
  • Encephalitis, Varicella Zoster / diagnosis*
  • Encephalitis, Varicella Zoster / drug therapy
  • Encephalitis, Varicella Zoster / pathology
  • Fever / etiology*
  • Herpes Zoster / complications*
  • Herpes Zoster / drug therapy
  • Herpes Zoster / pathology
  • Herpesvirus 3, Human / isolation & purification*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Meningoencephalitis / diagnosis*
  • Meningoencephalitis / drug therapy
  • Meningoencephalitis / pathology
  • Middle Aged
  • Skin / pathology*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • DNA, Viral
  • Acyclovir