Rabdomiólisis secundaria a Virus De Varicela Zóster. Reporte de caso

Abstract

Background: The Varicella Zoster virus is highly contagious and affects approximately 90% of inhabitants. It is distinguished by the manifestation of pruritic maculo-erythematous skin lesions, which evolve and become scabs. It is generally mild; however, complications such as postherpetic neuralgia, toxic shock syndrome, purpura fulminans, and, rarely, rhabdomyolysis may occur. Therefore, a case report will be presented, highlighting its importance since, at a scientific level, the literature reviewed is poor, and in Ecuador, no cases have been evidenced in the databases so far. Case presentation: A 28-year-old female patient reported fever, chills, and myalgias in the lower extremities 30 hours before admission. On physical examination, she presented vesicular lesions characteristic of chickenpox. Five hours later, the myalgia intensified, making lying down and walking impossible. Blood analysis showed hypertransaminasemia, elevated lactate dehydrogenase, and creatine kinase; urinalysis indicated increased turbidity accompanied by hemoglobinuria. Data confirm the diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis secondary to the Varicella Zoster virus. Treatment with acyclovir accompanied by saline hydration is administered. After 5 days of hospitalization and decreased muscle pain, the patient is discharged home, and outpatient follow-up is indicated. Expected conclusions: Rhabdomyolysis secondary to Varicella Zoster virus could be underdiagnosed due to the lack of creatine kinase measurements in patients with chickenpox; this causes mild and moderate cases to be oligoasymptomatic initially.