[Varicella-zoster virus pancreatitis in hematologic diseases].
We report four cases of varicella-zoster pancreatitis in immunocompromised hosts. All 4 patients presented a severe immunodeficiency because of chronic lymphoproliferative disorders (mainly lymphoma and Hodgkin disease) and long-term immunosuppressive therapy. Varicella zoster pancreatitis is a very unusual presentation of varicella-zoster infection. Few cases of pancreatitis occurring after bone marrow transplantation have been reported. All 4 patients presented with acute epigastric pain associated with transient elevation of serum amylase. The vesicular rash followed the presenting symptoms of severe abdominal pain by 8 days. This clinical presentation, occurring in immunocompromised patients, defines a set of symptoms which should lead the physician to suspect varicella-zoster pancreatitis, even in the initial absence of the characteristic skin vesicular eruption. Early institution of antiviral therapy seems mandatory.
Service d'Hématologie, Hôpital Victor-Dupouy, Argenteuil
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M
Pulik
F
F
Teillet
F
F
Teillet-Thiebaud
F
F
Lionnet
P
P
Genet
C
C
Petitdidier
D000328:Adult; D006402:Hematologic Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D006562:Herpes Zoster / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010195:Pancreatitis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000821:virology; D012189:Retrospective Studies
Pancréatites zostériennes au cours des hémopathies.