Recurrent herpes zoster with segmental paresis and postherpetic neuralgia.

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.