PRE-ERUPTIVE VARICELLA ENCEPHALITIS - CASE-REPORT AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Varicella-related neurological complications usually appear after the rash. Preeruptive neurological complications of primary varicella test er virus infections have been rarely described. We report on a 5.5-yea r-old boy who developed encephalitis 4 days before the onset of a mild vesicular skin rash and 5 days after known exposure. Primary varicell a tester virus infection was confirmed serologically. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging revealed temporary inflammatory oedema in the right cerebellar peduncle. Conclusion Neurological complications of varicel la may appear np to 2.5 weeks before the onset of the exanthema, Physi cians treating patients with ataxia or encephalitis should inquire abo ut exposure to varicella zoster virus.