CT appearance of Varicella Zoster lesions in liver and spleen in an immunocompetent patient

J Clin Virol. 2006 Aug;36(4):303-5. doi: 10.1016/j.jcv.2006.04.006. Epub 2006 Jun 9.

Abstract

An adult patient presented with vesicular rash and abdominal pain of 5 days duration. His initial laboratory results showed elevated liver enzymes. A contrast enhanced CT scan demonstrated multiple small hypodense nodules in liver and spleen. His serum was reactive for Varicella Zoster IgM. Patient was treated with intravenous Acyclovir for 5 days and followed up with oral tablets for 2 weeks. At 3 weeks, CT scan showed resolution of hypodense nodules and his serum liver enzymes returned to normal at 6 weeks. Patient is on follow up and asymptomatic for 2 years. The CT appearances of nodules and their resolution following specific antiviral therapy are useful in diagnosis and in follow up of disseminated Varicella Zoster.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acyclovir / administration & dosage
  • Acyclovir / therapeutic use
  • Adult
  • Antiviral Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Chickenpox / diagnostic imaging*
  • Chickenpox / pathology
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Immunocompetence*
  • Length of Stay
  • Liver / diagnostic imaging
  • Liver / pathology*
  • Liver / virology
  • Male
  • Spleen / diagnostic imaging
  • Spleen / pathology*
  • Spleen / virology
  • Time Factors
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Acyclovir