Varicella Zoster Virus Central Nervous System Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome Presenting in a Child

Abstract

A HIV-positive child presented with acute onset of right hemiplegia, facial palsy and dysphasia 4 weeks after commencing highly active antiretroviral therapy. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed a left-sided cerebral infarct. Cerebrospinal fluid polymerase chain reaction was positive for varicella zoster virus. This is the first reported pediatric case of varicella zoster virus-related immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome involving the central nervous system.