Acute liver failure due to Varicella zoster virus infection after lung transplantation: a case report.
Most adults are Varicella zoster virus (VZV)-positive at the age of 20 years. Some, however, remain antibody-negative and may develop primary chicken pox during adulthood. We report a patient with Williams-Campbell syndrome who underwent double-lung transplantation while being VZV-negative. One year after the successful procedure, he was admitted with fulminant hepatic failure and some cutaneous vesicles in his face. Despite a rapid diagnosis of VZV infection and treatment with acyclovir, his situation deteriorated within 24 hours and while awaiting an urgent liver transplantation, he developed multiple organ failure and died.
Lung Transplantation Unit, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium. geert.verleden@uzleuven.be
G M
GM
Verleden
R
R
Vos
D E
DE
Van Raemdonck
W
W
Laleman
B M
BM
Vanaudenaerde
D000212:Acyclovir / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001987:Bronchiectasis / Q000150:complications; D002644:Chickenpox / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000635:transmission / Q000821:virology*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D014645:Herpesvirus 3, Human / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D006801:Humans; D017114:Liver Failure, Acute / Q000209:etiology*; D016031:Liver Transplantation; D016040:Lung Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D009102:Multiple Organ Failure / Q000209:etiology; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D013997:Time Factors; D014850:Waiting Lists
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000212:Acyclovir