A case of varicella-zoster myelopathy |
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Authors: | H Aizawa T Suzutani O Yahara R Gotoh K Morita H Minami N Sasaki K Tobise |
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Institution: | Department of Internal Medicine, National Hospital Nayoro;Department of Microbiology, Asahikawa Medical College, Japan;Department of Internal Medicine, Asahikawa Medical College, Japan;Department of Orthopedics, Nayoro City Hospital, Japan |
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Abstract: | Introduction – Early diagnosis of neurological complications of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is important because of its treatability. We performed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect VZV-DNA from the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of a patient with myelopathy. Patient & methods – A 69-year-old man developed sensory disturbances in the lower extremities and bladder-bowel disturbances, followed by cutaneous zoster on his left arm. Polymerase chain reaction was applied to identify the viral DNA in CSF. Results – The increased antibody index of VZV and herpes simplex virus (HSV) in the CSF suggested intrathecal synthesis of IgG antibodies to these viruses. VZV-DNA was detected in the CSF by nested PCR, but neither HSV-1 nor HSV-2 DNA was detected in CSF. He was successfully treated with acyclovir and prednisolone. Conclusion – PCR may be a useful tool for the diagnosis of VZV myelopathy. |
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Keywords: | varicella-zoster virus myelopathy nested polymerase chain reaction antibodies cerebrospinal fluid |
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