Journal List > J Rheum Dis > v.22(3) > 1064188

Na, Nam, Choe, Park, Kim, Oh, Lee, and Kim: A Case of Varicelliform Zoster in a Patient Treated with Etanercept for Ankylosing Spondylitis

Abstract

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) inhibitors are increasingly used in treatment of inflammatory disorders because of their immunomodulatory efficacy. Increased risk of infection is an adverse effect of anti-TNF-α therapy. The incidence rate and severity of herpes zoster is significantly higher in patients on anti-TNF-α therapy than in the general population. The clinical presentation of varicella zoster virus infection is also often atypical in these patients. We experienced a patient who presented with a disseminated varicelliform rash while on etanercept therapy for ankylosing spondylitis.

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Figure 1.
Erythematous papules, vesicles and scabs were diffusely scattered on (A) the face and neck, and (B) the trunk without a dermatomal distribution.
jrd-22-186f1.tif
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