Chamara Dalugama1, Ruwanthi Jayasinghe2,3,3,2, Nimanthi Rathnayaka3, Arjuna Medagama2. 1. Department of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Kandy, Sri Lanka. chamaradalugama@yahoo.com. 2. Department of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Kandy, Sri Lanka. 3. University Medical Unit, Teaching Hospital, Peradeniya, Kandy, Sri Lanka.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Varicella zoster virus is a Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) virus exclusively affecting humans. Reactivation of varicella zoster virus causes herpes zoster with vesicular eruptions in a restricted dermatomal distribution. Peripheral motor neuropathy is a very rare complication of varicella zoster virus. CASE PRESENTATION: A 57-year-old previously well Sri Lankan female presented with acute onset painful weakness of the left upper limb with a preceding history of a febrile illness. Subsequently she developed vesicular eruptions in the dermatomal distribution of cervical 5, 6, and 7. Electromyography was suggestive of acute denervation of cervical 5, 6, and 7 myotomes. Diagnosis of zoster-associated brachial plexopathy was made, and the patient was treated with acyclovir, steroids, and analgesics. She made a good recovery. CONCLUSION: Brachial plexus neuritis due to varicella zoster infection should be considered in an acute monoparesis of a limb as it is a treatable and reversible condition.
BACKGROUND:Varicella zoster virus is a Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) virus exclusively affecting humans. Reactivation of varicella zoster virus causes herpes zoster with vesicular eruptions in a restricted dermatomal distribution. Peripheral motor neuropathy is a very rare complication of varicella zoster virus. CASE PRESENTATION: A 57-year-old previously well Sri Lankan female presented with acute onset painful weakness of the left upper limb with a preceding history of a febrile illness. Subsequently she developed vesicular eruptions in the dermatomal distribution of cervical 5, 6, and 7. Electromyography was suggestive of acute denervation of cervical 5, 6, and 7 myotomes. Diagnosis of zoster-associated brachial plexopathy was made, and the patient was treated with acyclovir, steroids, and analgesics. She made a good recovery. CONCLUSION:Brachial plexus neuritis due to varicella zoster infection should be considered in an acute monoparesis of a limb as it is a treatable and reversible condition.