# Longitudinal Extensive Transverse Myelitis due to Varicella-Zoster Virus Infection in an Undiagnosed HIV-Positive Patient

## TL;DR

A man with undiagnosed HIV developed spinal inflammation caused by the varicella-zoster virus after shingles, which improved with treatment.

## Contribution

This case highlights varicella-zoster virus as a rare cause of transverse myelitis in an undiagnosed HIV patient.

## Key findings

- LETM was diagnosed in a patient with shingles and undiagnosed HIV.
- PCR confirmed varicella-zoster virus in cerebrospinal fluid.
- Treatment with acyclovir and antiretroviral therapy led to symptom improvement.

## Abstract

Longitudinal extensive transverse myelitis (LETM) has four main causes: inflammatory, malnutrition, vascular, and infectious causes. Among the commonly described viral causes leading to LETM are the Herpesviridae family, HIV, and HTLV-1. Case Presentation. A 43-year-old man presented with asymmetric weakness of the lower limbs (the left side was weaker), urinary retention, and flank pain. The symptoms began five days after shingle eruption and progressed over twelve days. He was diagnosed with longitudinal extensive transvers myelitis extending from T4 to T6, which corresponded to the same dermatome involved in shingles. The PCR result of cerebrospinal fluid was positive for varicella-zoster virus with a viral load of 500 copies/ml. Additionally, the initial HIV enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test was positive, and his CD4 count was 72 cells/mm3. Other lab results were normal. Based on the appearance of LETM in the thoracic MRI at T4-T6, VZV myelitis was diagnosed, and treatment was initiated with acyclovir (30 mg/kg divided daily for twenty-one days), methylprednisolone (1 g/day for three days), prophylactic antibiotics (trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, rifampin, and isoniazid), and antiretroviral therapy (dolutegravir and Truvada). After 2-month follow-up, he was nearly free of symptoms.

Infection is one of the critical causes of transverse myelitis. When a patient presents with skin shingles along with myelopathy, varicella-zoster myelitis should be considered, and the patient should be evaluated in terms of immune system dysfunction. Treatment with acyclovir has been shown to be effective in reducing clinical symptoms in such cases.