Varicella zoster induced cardiac dysfunction: a case report

Abstract

A case is presented of cardiac arrhythmia associated with varicella zoster infection, affecting a 34-year-old man. The patient presented with episodes of seizure-like activity, which were subsequently shown to be caused by ventricular fibrillation. The literature regarding this unusual complication of varicella zoster infection is discussed, as it affects both children and adults. Physicians who may face this condition, in accident and emergency, acute medicine, critical care medicine and infectious diseases, should all be aware of this serious complication.