Reactivation of varicella-zoster virus in reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome: a proof-of-concept study

Abstract

Aim: Association between reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) and the reactivation of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) was analyzed. Materials & methods: VZV-specific IgG and IgA responses on day 1 and 28 in plasma was compared and VZV DNA with real-time PCR in saliva was measured in case-patients (diagnosed with RCVS), control-patients (ischemic stroke with intracranial artery stenosis) and healthy volunteers. Results: The case-patients (n = 11) revealed significantly higher VZV-specific IgG levels on day 28 than on day 1 (p = 0.004), while the age-matched control-patients and healthy volunteers exhibited no significant changes. Positive VZV DNA PCR result in saliva was revealed in one case-patient. Conclusion: RCVS might be associated with VZV. This result warrants a full-scale study to evaluate the association between them.