[Granulomatous dermatitis following herpes zoster with detection of varicella zoster virus DNA].

The occurrence of a granulomatous inflammation following herpes zoster infection is uncommon and its pathogenesis is unclear. A 74-year-old male patient developed multiple red-brown papules following a secondary generalized infection with varicella zoster virus in the same area. The patient was suffering from a chronic lymphocytic B-cell leukaemia. Histopathologically, granulomatous dermatitis with multinucleate giant cells was found. Varicella zoster virus DNA was identified by polymerase chain reaction in the tissue. After a renewed antiviral therapy, skin lesions disappeared completely.