Ann Dermatol.  2016 Dec;28(6):757-761. 10.5021/ad.2016.28.6.757.

Herpes Zoster Duplex Unilateralis: Two Cases and Brief Literature Review

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Dermatology, Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. dermap@hanmail.net
  • 2Department of Dermatology, Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea.

Abstract

Cases involving dermatomal herpes zoster in two or more locations are rare, especially in immunocompetent patients. When two noncontiguous dermatomes are involved, if affected unilaterally, it is called herpes zoster duplex unilateralis; if bilaterally, bilateralis. Here, we report two cases of herpes zoster duplex unilateralis. A 66-year-old man presented with painful erythematous grouped vesicles on his left scalp, forehead, trunk, and back (left [Lt.] V1, Lt. T8). Histologic findings were consistent with herpetic infection. A 33-year-old woman presented with painful erythematous grouped vesicles and crust on her left forehead and neck (Lt. V1, Lt. C5). Both patients were treated with oral administration of famcyclovir 750 mg/day for seven days.

Keyword

Herpes zoster

MeSH Terms

Administration, Oral
Adult
Aged
Female
Forehead
Herpes Zoster*
Humans
Neck
Scalp

Figure

  • Fig. 1 A 66-year-old man presented with erythematous grouped vesicles on his (A) left scalp, forehead (left [Lt.] V1), (B) trunk, and (C) back (Lt. T8).

  • Fig. 2 (A) Skin biopsy from the skin lesion on the scalp shows intraepidermal blisters with characteristic eosinophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies and giant acantholytic multinucleated cells. Basal vacuolization, necrotic epidermal cells, and lymphocytic infiltration in the upper dermis are noted. (B) Skin biopsy from the skin lesion on the trunk also shows intraepidermal blisters with characteristic eosinophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies and acantholytic multinucleated giant cells (H&E, ×200).

  • Fig. 3 A 33-year-old woman presented with erythematous grouped vesicles on her (A) forehead (left [Lt.] V1) and (B) neck (Lt. C5).


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