Central nervous system–immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome presenting as varicella zoster virus-mediated vasculitis causing stroke. (August 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Teo, SY; Raha, D; Warren, D; Hassan, A; Monteiro, E
• Is Part Of: International journal of STD & AIDS. Volume 25:Number 9(2014:Sep.)
• Page Start: 683
• Page End: 685
• Publication Date: 2014-08
• Subjects: HIV -- AIDS -- opportunistic infection -- central nervous system -- immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome -- IRIS -- varicella zoster virus -- herpes zoster -- stroke -- cerebral ischaemia -- vasculitis -- VZV vasculopathy; Sexually transmitted diseases -- Periodicals; AIDS (Disease) -- Periodicals; 616.951
• DOI: 10.1177/0956462413518501
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0956-4624

Abstract

Varicella zoster virus (VZV)-mediated vasculitis is a rare cause of stroke, but should be considered in HIV patients where vasculitis can occur in association with central nervous system – immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (CNS-IRIS). A literature search revealed 7 reports of VZV vasculitis over the years with no unifying management strategy, highlighting the difficulty in managing rare conditions in the absence of clear guidelines. This is the first documented case of VZV-mediated vasculitis presenting as stroke in the United Kingdom. Our patient made a full recovery with multidisciplinary input from HIV, neurology and radiology specialists.