Sudden onset of herpes zoster following chemotherapy for orbital lymphoma in a HIV positive patient

Abstract

We report a 38-year-old HIV positive female, who developed an acute attack of herpes zoster HZ involving the mandibular, C2, C3, C4, T1, and T2 dermatomes, 9 days after the commencement of the first cycle of chemotherapy regimen for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma NHL. She had developed NHL of the ovary approximately 6 months earlier, followed by metastasis to the left orbit resulting in proptosis of the left eye. A combination of a positive HIV status, lymphoma, and chemotherapy can predispose a patient to an attack of HZ involving many dermatomes.