Through the Lens
Bilateral asymmetrical herpes zoster Shailesh M. Kantaria Kantaria Skin Clinic, Porbandar, Gujarat, India
A 26‑year‑old well‑nourished male presented with vesicular eruptions and burning pain over both sides of the abdomen. On dermatological examination, multiple vesicular eruptions were seen along T 8 dermatome on the right side and along T9 dermatome on the left side of the abdomen [Figure 1]. Eruptions were fully developed from posterior to the anterior part on both sides, but along different dermatomes [Figure 2]. Routine blood tests were normal. Human immunodeficiency virus test was negative. Renal and liver function tests were normal. There was no history suggestive of immune defect. There was history of stress one week prior. General physical and systemic examinations were normal. Patient was given acyclovir 800 mg 5 times daily with other symptomatic treatment. There was a dramatic improvement in skin lesions as well as pain within 7 days.
Figure 1: Fully developed vesicular eruptions along T8 dermatome on the right side and T9 dermatome on the left side
Herpes zoster is caused by a varicella‑zoster virus (VZV). This infection affects spinal or cranial nerves resulting in unilateral vesicular eruptions and severe radicular burning pain. Herpes zoster affects a dermatome innervated by the concerned nerve.[1] Herpes zoster is unilateral in most cases. Usually, it involves a single dermatome. Multiple dermatomal involvement is rare. When only one‑half of the body is involved, it is called herpes zoster duplex unilateralis. When both halves are involved it is called herpes zoster duplex bilateralis. Herpes zoster contralaterally on the same dermatome is called herpes zoster duplex symmetricus. Bilateral asymmetrical distribution of herpes zoster is very rare particularly in an immunocompetent adult. In this case, there were fully developed eruptions on both sides of the abdomen and on different dermatomes. Patient was healthy, immunocompetent adult. Laboratory finding did not reveal immunosuppression. Some local factors like the number of viral copies present in the cell or a local trauma to nerve root ganglion, along with systemic factors play a role in reactivation of VZV.[3] Local trauma might have played a crucial role in reactivation of VZV [2]
Access this article online Website: www.idoj.in DOI: 10.4103/2229-5178.156448 Quick Response Code:
Address for correspondence: Dr. Shailesh M. Kantaria, Kantaria Skin Clinic, Yuganda Road, Porbandar ‑ 360 575, Gujarat, India. E‑mail: kantariashailesh @yahoo.in
236
Figure 2: Eruptions were fully developed up to the anterior part
in this case. This case with bilateral asymmetrical herpes zoster in an immunocompetent healthy adult emphasizes further studies about theory of reactivation of VZV.
REFERENCES 1.
2. 3.
Haribhakti PB, Mackwan R. Viral infections. In: Valia RG, editor. IADVL Textbook and Atlas of Dermatology. Bombay: Bhalani Publishing House; 1994. p. 237‑79. Bloss G, Ebisch MA, Cross G. Bilateral asymmetric herpes zoster in adolescence. Neurology 2005;65:170. Peretz A, Nowatzky J, Steiner I. Neurological picture. Herpes zoster duplex bilateralis. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2007;78:818.
Cite this article as: Kantaria SM. Bilateral asymmetrical herpes zoster. Indian Dermatol Online J 2015;6:236. Source of Support: Nil, Conflict of Interest: None declared.
Indian Dermatology Online Journal - May-June 2015 - Volume 6 - Issue 3
Copyright of Indian Dermatology Online Journal is the property of Medknow Publications & Media Pvt. Ltd. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use.
Bilateral asymmetrical herpes zoster Shailesh M. Kantaria Kantaria Skin Clinic, Porbandar, Gujarat, India
A 26‑year‑old well‑nourished male presented with vesicular eruptions and burning pain over both sides of the abdomen. On dermatological examination, multiple vesicular eruptions were seen along T 8 dermatome on the right side and along T9 dermatome on the left side of the abdomen [Figure 1]. Eruptions were fully developed from posterior to the anterior part on both sides, but along different dermatomes [Figure 2]. Routine blood tests were normal. Human immunodeficiency virus test was negative. Renal and liver function tests were normal. There was no history suggestive of immune defect. There was history of stress one week prior. General physical and systemic examinations were normal. Patient was given acyclovir 800 mg 5 times daily with other symptomatic treatment. There was a dramatic improvement in skin lesions as well as pain within 7 days.
Figure 1: Fully developed vesicular eruptions along T8 dermatome on the right side and T9 dermatome on the left side
Herpes zoster is caused by a varicella‑zoster virus (VZV). This infection affects spinal or cranial nerves resulting in unilateral vesicular eruptions and severe radicular burning pain. Herpes zoster affects a dermatome innervated by the concerned nerve.[1] Herpes zoster is unilateral in most cases. Usually, it involves a single dermatome. Multiple dermatomal involvement is rare. When only one‑half of the body is involved, it is called herpes zoster duplex unilateralis. When both halves are involved it is called herpes zoster duplex bilateralis. Herpes zoster contralaterally on the same dermatome is called herpes zoster duplex symmetricus. Bilateral asymmetrical distribution of herpes zoster is very rare particularly in an immunocompetent adult. In this case, there were fully developed eruptions on both sides of the abdomen and on different dermatomes. Patient was healthy, immunocompetent adult. Laboratory finding did not reveal immunosuppression. Some local factors like the number of viral copies present in the cell or a local trauma to nerve root ganglion, along with systemic factors play a role in reactivation of VZV.[3] Local trauma might have played a crucial role in reactivation of VZV [2]
Access this article online Website: www.idoj.in DOI: 10.4103/2229-5178.156448 Quick Response Code:
Address for correspondence: Dr. Shailesh M. Kantaria, Kantaria Skin Clinic, Yuganda Road, Porbandar ‑ 360 575, Gujarat, India. E‑mail: kantariashailesh @yahoo.in
236
Figure 2: Eruptions were fully developed up to the anterior part
in this case. This case with bilateral asymmetrical herpes zoster in an immunocompetent healthy adult emphasizes further studies about theory of reactivation of VZV.
REFERENCES 1.
2. 3.
Haribhakti PB, Mackwan R. Viral infections. In: Valia RG, editor. IADVL Textbook and Atlas of Dermatology. Bombay: Bhalani Publishing House; 1994. p. 237‑79. Bloss G, Ebisch MA, Cross G. Bilateral asymmetric herpes zoster in adolescence. Neurology 2005;65:170. Peretz A, Nowatzky J, Steiner I. Neurological picture. Herpes zoster duplex bilateralis. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2007;78:818.
Cite this article as: Kantaria SM. Bilateral asymmetrical herpes zoster. Indian Dermatol Online J 2015;6:236. Source of Support: Nil, Conflict of Interest: None declared.
Indian Dermatology Online Journal - May-June 2015 - Volume 6 - Issue 3
Copyright of Indian Dermatology Online Journal is the property of Medknow Publications & Media Pvt. Ltd. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use.
