Herper Zoster Myelitis Confirmed by Detection of Varicell-zoster Virus DNA Using the Polymerase Chain Reaction

J Korean Neurol Assoc > Volume 14(4); 1996 > Article

Journal of the Korean Neurological Association 1996;14(4): 1067-1071.

중합효소연쇄반응을 이용한 varicella-zoster virus DNA의 검출로 확인된 대상포진 척수염

한문구, 이상수 한설희

충북대학교 의과대학 신경과학교실

Herper Zoster Myelitis Confirmed by Detection of Varicell-zoster Virus DNA Using the Polymerase Chain Reaction

Moon Ku Han, M.D., Sang Soo Lee, M.D., Seol Heul Han, M.D.

Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University

Abstract

We report a case of progressive myelopathy following herpes zoster skin eruption In adult. Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) myelopathy was diagnosed based on the close temporal relationship between rash and onset of myelopathy, and confirmed by demonstrating the presence of varicella-zoster virus DNA in the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) by amplification using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) . The patient was treated with intravenous acyclovir, and strength, sensation, sphincter function improved within 2 weeks. Detection of VZV DNA in CSF was useful for diagnosis and a role of virus In the pathogenesis of myelopathy. The clinical Improvement suggests that early therapy with an effective antiviral drug was beneficial.