Disseminated Multifocal Herpes Zoster Leukoencephalitis and Subcortical Hemorrhage in an Immunosuppressed Child

Abstract

We describe a rare case of multifocal varicella-zoster leukoencephalitis in an immunosuppressed adolescent boy who developed a herpetiform rash on his groin and subsequently presented with a subacute encephalopathy, aphasia, and hemiparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging scan of the brain revealed multifocal bihemispheric targetlike lesions predominantly in the white matter. A magnetic resonance imaging scan 2 weeks later showed a subcortical hemorrhage in the left insular region. He received long-term high-dose intravenous acyclovir and had significant improvement in his neurologic status. (J Child Neurol 1994;9:56-58).