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Atypical Reactivation of Varicella Zoster Virus Associated with Pancreatitis in a Heart Transplant Patient

Authors :
Ilya M Danelich
H.T. Massey
Drew Johnson
Rene Alvarez
Mahek Shah
Ashley Barnes
Preethi Pirlamarla
Christine Shieh
Source :
The American Journal of Case Reports
Publication Year :
2020
Publisher :
International Scientific Information, Inc., 2020.

Abstract

Patient: Male, 46-year-old Final Diagnosis: Varicella zoster virus infection Symptoms: Abdominal and/or epigastric pain Medication:— Clinical Procedure: Biopsy Specialty: Cardiology • Gastroenterology and Hepatology • Infectious Diseases • Transplantology Objective: Rare disease Background: Acute pancreatitis is rare following solid organ transplantation but is associated with high mortality. It has been most commonly reported following renal transplant but can occur with other solid organ transplantations. Case Report: A 46-year-old male who had an orthotopic heart transplant 6 months ago presented with a 3-week history of abdominal pain. The patient described it as intermittent, sharp, and stabbing, originating in the periumbilical area and radiating to the back. His lipase was elevated at 232 U/L. Given that the patient’s symptoms and lipase were elevated to greater than three times the upper limit of normal, he patient was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis. The patient also mentioned a diffuse itchy rash that started a few days prior to admission. Dermatology was consulted, and given the man’s clinical presentation, there was concern for atypical reactivation of varicella zoster virus (VZV). VZV polymerase chain reaction of the vesicles returned positive. The patient was started on acyclovir and his symptoms improved. Conclusions: This is the first reported case of VZV-associated pancreatitis in a heart transplant patient. Our patient presented with acute pancreatitis and was treated supportively. However, he did not receive antiviral treatment until his rash was discovered. Timely treatment of VZV resulted in resolution of both the rash and pancreatitis. Timely diagnosis of pancreatitis and VZV is important to prevent development of multiorgan failure and death.

Details

ISSN :
19415923
Volume :
21
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
American Journal of Case Reports
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....1fd277352a438ce5ba2c94420bafd078
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.12659/ajcr.923969