Disseminated multifocal herpes zoster leukoencephalitis and subcortical hemorrhage in an immunosuppressed child.

We describe a rare case of multifocal varicella-zoster leukoencephalitis in an immunosuppressed adolescent boy who developed a herpetiform rash on his groin and subsequently presented with a subacute encephalopathy, aphasia, and hemiparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging scan of the brain revealed multifocal bi-hemispheric target-like lesions predominantly in the white matter. A magnetic resonance imaging scan 2 weeks later showed a subcortical hemorrhage in the left insular region. He received long-term high-dose intravenous acyclovir and had significant improvement in his neurologic status.