Varicella-zoster virus infection-related myelitis:a case report
XIA Yuan-jie
PU Fei-fei
ZHANG Hui-hao
FENG Jing
XIA Ping
Abstract：Objective: To report the clinical characteristics, diagnosis, treatment process, and prognosis of a patient with varicella zoster virus infection-related myelitis (VZVM), who was hospitalized for 4 days due to weakness in walking with the right lower limb. To provide a reference for the early diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Methods: The clinical data of a patient with VZVM admitted in March 2024 were analyzed, summarizing the clinical characteristics, differential diagnosis, imaging manifestations, laboratory tests, and treatment plans for this type of disease. Results: After the patient was admitted to the hospital, muscle strength in the right lower limb progressively decreased. Once the diagnosis was confirmed, muscle strength in the right lower limb was partially restored with antiviral treatment and strong immunity support. The prognosis was acceptable when the condition was stabilized. Conclusions: The clinical manifestations of VZVM are complex, and the onset may or may not be accompanied by herpes zoster. The diagnosis must be informed by rash distribution, spine MRI, and cerebrospinal fluid detection. In the absence of specific early clinical manifestations of the disease, it is crucial to differentiate it from lumbar intervertebral disc herniation, multiple sclerosis, tuberculous myelitis, and other conditions. Early diagnosis and intervention are essential for the prognosis and recovery of patients.
Keywords：Herpes zosterMyelitisCase reports
Publication Date：2025-09-19
Online Publishing Date：2025-09-29(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：3( 832-834 )