Varicella-zoster virus vasculitis: a case of recurrent varicella without epidermal involvement.

New types of diseases due to the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) are increasingly recognized. A case of cutaneous VZV vasculitis without epidermal involvement is presented. The patient received chemotherapy for a large B cell lymphoma. He presented a few painless papules on one hand and in the axilla. A lymphocytic vasculitis was evidenced. Immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of VZV in endothelial cells and dermal dendrocytes. Nerves and keratinocytes were free of the virus infection. Such a presentation probably represents a mild form of recurrent varicella with prominent but limited vascular involvement. Copyright 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.