Recurrent herpes zoster with segmental paresis and postherpetic neuralgia.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Postherpetic neuralgia and segmental paresis represent rare complications of herpes zoster infection. Recurrent herpes zoster is also rare and occurs within the first 3 years of the beginning of the illness in only 1.40% of cases but it is generally higher in cases of chronic lymphatic leukemia (3.5%). CASE REPORT We presented a patient with lymphatic leukemia who during the remission had 3 episodes of herpes zoster over a year. All of them took different parts of the body. One of these episodes was complicated by postherpetic neuralgia and segmental paresis. A complete recovery was seen in all the three episodes. CONCLUSION: As immunosuppression is one of mechanisms of virus reactivation, it is likely associated with the described rare complications of herpes zoster.