Abstract
BackgroundVaricella 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 presentationA 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.ConclusionBrachial 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
Highlights
Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is a Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) virus in the Herpesviridae family [1]
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
We report the case of a previously healthy female presented with acute monoparesis of the upper limb with subsequent development of the vesicular rash involving cervical 5, 6, and 7 dermatomes
Summary
Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is a Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) virus in the Herpesviridae family [1]. Patient was unable to move the left upper limb on admission. The patient was in distress due to left upper limb pain She was oriented in time, place, and person. Neurological examination revealed flaccid paralysis of the left upper limb with proximal weakness (0/5) more than the distal (2/5). Her left upper limb reflexes were diminished. On day 2 of admission, the patient complained of a painful rash involving the left upper limb. On examination, she had a vesicular rash on an erythematous base suggestive of varicella zoster She was reviewed in medical clinic 2 weeks from discharge, and complete neurological recovery was noted
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