Thrombosis following varicella and factor V Leiden mutation.

Background. - Varicella is a benign infectious disease that is rarely compl icated by thrombosis. Factor V Leiden (FVL) mutation is presently recognize d as the most common inherited cause of thrombosis. From a case report the link between varicella associated thrombosis and FVL is discussed. Case report. - An eight year-old boy was admitted on 15th day of a varicell a infection for difficulty to walk and painful legs. Doppler ultra sound of the lower limbs venous system showed thrombosis of the left iliac vein and femoral veins. Thrombophilia work-up revealed a FVL heterozygotic status f or the patient, Biological screening for molecular abnormalities associated with thrombophilia led to the detection of a heterozygous inherited FVL mu tation in the patient. Response to heparine followed by oral anticoagulant treatment was good. Conclusion. - Thrombosis associated with varicella in child is a rare event . We recommend to realize a thrombophilia screening in such patients. We al so support varicella vaccination of children identified as having constitut ional prothrombotic disorders like FVL mutation. (C) 2001 Editions scientif iques et medicales Elsevier SAS.