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Pre-eruptive varicella encephalitis: case report and review of the literature

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Abstract

Varicella-related neurological complications usually appear after the rash. Pre-eruptive neurological complications of primary varicella zoster virus infections have been rarely described. We report on a 5.5-year-old boy who developed encephalitis 4 days before the onset of a mild vesicular skin rash and 5 days after known exposure. Primary varicella zoster virus infection was confirmed serologically. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging revealed temporary inflammatory oedema in the right cerebellar peduncle.

Conclusion Neurological complications of varicella may appear up to 2.5 weeks before the onset of the exanthema. Physicians treating patients with ataxia or encephalitis should inquire about exposure to varicella zoster virus.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Paediatrics, Medical University of Lübeck, Kahlhorststraße 31–35, D-23538 Lübeck, Germany, Tel.: +49-451-500 2525, Fax: +49-451-500 2956, , , , , , DE

    H. J. Wagner, A. Seidel, K. Kruse & J. Sperner

  2. Department of Radiology, University of Lübeck School of Medicine, Lübeck, Germany, , , , , , DE

    I. Grande-Nagel

Authors
  1. H. J. Wagner
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  2. A. Seidel
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  3. I. Grande-Nagel
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  4. K. Kruse
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  5. J. Sperner
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Received: 15 January 1998 / Accepted: 27 March 1998

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Wagner, H., Seidel, A., Grande-Nagel, I. et al. Pre-eruptive varicella encephalitis: case report and review of the literature. Eur J Pediatr 157, 814–815 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/s004310050942

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s004310050942

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