Cutaneous granulomatous vasculitis after herpes zoster infection showing polyarteritis nodosa-like features

Clin Exp Dermatol. 1997 Nov;22(6):274-6.

Abstract

Various cutaneous lesions have been described after herpes zoster infection, such as lymphomas, pseudolymphoma and granulomatous conditions (granuloma annulare, tuberculoid granuloma, sarcoidosis). However, granulomatous vasculitis is an extremely rare sequel. We now describe a case of superficial granulomatous vasculitis with deep 'polyarteritis nodosa (PAN)-like' arteritis that developed after herpes zoster infection. Polymerase chain reaction did not detect genome of the herpes virus. We suggest that this condition could be an immune response to viral proteins.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Female
  • Granuloma / etiology*
  • Granuloma / pathology
  • Herpes Zoster / complications*
  • Humans
  • Polyarteritis Nodosa / etiology
  • Skin Diseases, Viral / complications*
  • Vasculitis / etiology*
  • Vasculitis / pathology