A Case of Herpes Zoster Infection Presenting withMeningoencephalitis and Brachial Plexopathy

J Korean Assoc EMG Electrodiagn Med 2008;10(2):162-166.
Published online December 1, 2008.

Abstract

Herpes zoster is a viral infection caused by the reactivation of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) in the posteriorroot ganglia. The various neurological complications develop in association with herpes zoster infection.However, simultaneous involvements of both central and peripheral nervous systems have rarelybeen reported. A previously healthy 54-year-old woman developed headache, vomiting, mental change,and right arm paresis after skin eruption. In the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), marked pleocytosis and elevatedprotein were detected, and VZV specific IgM and IgG antibodies were positive in the serum and CSF.Magnetic resonance imaging of brain showed no abnormality, but electrodiagnostic study revealed motorparesis was derived from the brachial plexopathy with evidence of herpes zoster infection. We hereinreport a VZV infection with meningoencephalitis and brachial plexopathy.

Key Words: Herpes zoster, Meningoencephalitis, Brachial plexopathy