Disseminated cutaneous herpes zoster-A frequently misdiagnosed entity

A predictive model of herpes zoster after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: VZV reactivation following antiviral prophylaxis discontinuation

Herpes zoster (HZ) refers to the rash appearing on dermatomes due to varicella zoster virus (VZV) reactivation. The incidence of HZ is significantly higher in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) recipients than in non-HSCT recipients. Although acyclovir prophylaxis is routinely administered to every allo-HSCT recipient for 1 year after transplantation, some individuals eventually develop late-onset HZ after completing prophylaxis. Little information is known about the clinical features of HZ after prophylactic antiviral treatment discontinuation, and an effective predictive model of late-onset HZ needs to be established. A total of 3366 patients who had received allo-HSCT from 2012 to 2017 were included in our study, among whom 201 developed HZ after 1 year (late-onset HZ). We designed a nested case-control study to identify potential predictors of late-onset HZ. Finally, we established a predictive model using binary logistic regression analysis. Age (p < .001), use of immunosuppressants at +1 year (p < .001), CD4-CD8 ratio at +1 year (p < .001), certain mental disorders (depression, anxiety, insomnia and adjustment disorder) (p < .001), engraftment time of neutrophils (p < .001), and CD8+ cell count at +30 days (p < .001) were independent predictors of late-onset HZ. A risk grading system was established based on regression coefficients. Discrimination and calibration analysis indicated that the model had good performance. We also identified several predictive factors of the incidence of HZ-related complications. This is the first scoring system for predicting the incidence of late-onset HZ after allo-HSCT. This model can be applied to identify individuals at high risk of late-onset HZ in the early period after receiving allo-HSCT.

Disseminated Herpes Zoster Following Protein Subunit and mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination in Immunocompetent Patients: Report of Two Cases and Literature Review

Disseminated herpes zoster (DHZ), resulting from the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), typically occurs in immunocompromised persons. To date, only four cases of DHZ following mRNA, viral vector, or inactivated COVID-19 vaccinations have been reported in immunocompetent patients. Herein, we present the first case of DHZ following the protein subunit COVID-19 vaccination (case 1, 64 years old) and a case of DHZ following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination (case 2, 67 years old) in elderly, immunocompetent male patients. Both cases were generally healthy, without a remarkable underlying disease and without a history of immunosuppressant use. Case 1 developed DHZ (left C3-5 predominant) 1 month after receiving the third dose of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein vaccine (MVC-COV1901). Case 2 developed DHZ (right V1-3 predominant) 7 days after receiving the second dose of the mRNA-1273 SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Through skin examination, Tzanck smears, and dermoscopy, the diagnosis of COVID-19 vaccination-related DHZ was established in both cases. Oral famciclovir (250 mg, three times/day for 7 days) was administered, and both cases achieved total remission of skin lesions without visceral involvement or severe post-herpetic neuralgia. Our cases demonstrate that DHZ, as a rare cutaneous adverse event in immunocompetent patients, can be secondary not only to mRNA COVID-19 vaccination but also to the protein subunit COVID-19 vaccination. It is speculated that the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 could be the common trigger for the reactivation of VZV among different types of vaccinations.

Disseminated Zoster Involving the Whole Body in an Immunocompetent Patient Complaining of Left Leg Radiating Pain and Weakness: A Case Report and Literature Review

Introduction

Disseminated herpes zoster is defined as at least 20 skin lesions in multiple dermatomes. In particular, it has been reported mainly in patients with immunological defects. To our knowledge, there is no reported case of disseminated zoster in a non-immunocompromised patient with leg radiating pain and weakness.

Case presentation

A 74-year-old man visited our hospital with left leg radiating pain and left hip pain. He had no underlying disease other than hypertension. Neurologic examination revealed radiating pain on the L4 dermatome of the left leg. The muscle power was grade 3 for the hip flexor and knee extensor, and grade 4 for the ankle dorsiflexor and big toe dorsiflexor of the left leg. There were no sensory changes or skin lesions on his left leg. Herniation of the nucleus pulposus of the lumbar spine was suspected and lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed. However, no pathologic lesions were seen on lumbar MRI. On the third day of hospitalization, erythematous patches and vesicles were observed on the head, face, ear, neck, trunk, back, and both lower extremities. Herpes zoster infection was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction analysis. Treatment was performed with 250 mg of intravenous acyclovir every 8 hours for 6 days and 62.5 mg of intravenous methylprednisolone for 4 days. On the 13th day of hospitalization, the skin lesions and left leg radiating pain and weakness improved.

Conclusion

We report the first case of disseminated herpes zoster involving the whole body in a non-immunocompromised patient complaining of left leg radiating pain and weakness. After treatment, both the patient's radiating pain and weakness improved.