A Rare Case of Varicella-Zoster Virus Meningitis With High Intracranial Pressure in an Immunocompetent Adult

• Published in: Cureus 2024, Vol.16 (1), p.e52437-e52437
• Main Authors: Al Harbi, Awad, Saeedi, Jameelah, Almowalad, Enas, Alahmari, Razan, Alzuabi, Hana A, Almanea, Leenah, AlAbdulhadi, AlAnoud
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2168-8184; 2168-8184
• DOI: 10.7759/cureus.52437

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is an alphaherpesvirus causing varicella (chickenpox) and herpes zoster. While varicella typically presents with a vesicular rash, latent VZV may reactivate within the sensory ganglia causing shingles, characterized by painful vesicular rash, which may lead to neurologic complications such as aseptic meningitis. This case explores an atypical presentation in an immunocompetent young man with VZV meningitis lacking the characteristic skin rash but featuring elevated intracranial pressure. A literature review revealed rare instances of VZV-related neurologic disease without typical skin manifestations, suggesting the virus's potential to affect the central nervous system directly. Treatment with intravenous acyclovir is recommended, with ganciclovir as an alternative treatment option. This case emphasizes the importance of considering VZV meningitis in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with viral meningitis symptoms, with or without dermatomal rash or immunocompromised conditions.