Bullous erythema multiforme following herpes zoster and varicella-zoster virus infection.
Four cases of herpes zoster-induced bullous erythema multiforme (EM) are reported. Three patients presented with widespread skin lesions 10 to 14 days after an episode of thoracic herpes zoster. In these patients a high increase in varicella-zoster virus (VZV) antibody titer was detected, indicating secondary VZV infection. Histologic examinations of skin biopsy from a patient with widespread lesions (case 4) revealed a mixture of EM, toxic epidermal necrolysis and herpetic virus infection. VZV should be included in the list of infectious agents able to trigger EM and Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
Department of Dermato-Venereology, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen NV, Denmark.
K
K
Weisman
C S
CS
Petersen
C W
CW
Blichmann
N H
NH
Nielsen
B M
BM
Hultberg
D000212:Acyclovir / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000097:blood / Q000187:drug effects; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004892:Erythema Multiforme / Q000209:etiology* / Q000821:virology; D005260:Female; D006562:Herpes Zoster / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000821:virology; D014645:Herpesvirus 3, Human / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology
D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000212:Acyclovir