Varicella-zoster virus aseptic meningitis: an atypical presentation in an immunocompetent male patient.

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) reactivation causes a relatively common disease in immunocompromised patients characterized by rash and radiating pain. Aseptic meningitis is a rare complication of VZV infection and commonly is associated with exanthem and neurological signs. We present an atypical case of VZV meningitis in a healthy 56-year-old male who was initially presented with persistent headache as the only symptom. Anti-VZV immunoglobulin G titer both in serum and in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) CSF analysis revealed VZV infection. Our case highlights the importance of considering VZV aseptic meningitis in immunocompetent individuals even in the absence of the typical presentation of meningitis. Screening techniques such as CSF, PCR as well as anti-VZV antibodies in CSF show that VZV meningitis is a common cause of aseptic meningitis and allows the early recognition of CNS involvement in the VZV infection.

Cytomegalovirus-associated splenic infarcts in an adult immune-competent man: a case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Cytomegalovirus-associated thrombosis has been extensively reported in the medical literature, mainly in immune-compromised patients. However, the association with splenic infarcts has been rarely mentioned. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 38-year-old Caucasian man of Hellenic origin with acute cytomegalovirus infection presenting with spontaneous splenic infarcts. Echocardiography did not show any vegetations or mural thrombi. Anticoagulation treatment was not considered due to implication of minor vessels and since cytomegalovirus was the probable trigger for thrombosis in this patient. CONCLUSIONS: This case report serves as additional evidence for the role of cytomegalovirus in thrombosis.