A case of herpes zoster followed by erythema multiforme = A case of herpes zoster followed by erythema multiforme

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

Erythema multiforme (EM) is a skin condition considered as a hypersensitivity reaction to infections or drugs. While HSV infection is the most common predisposing factor, the association of herpes zoster (HZ) with EM is rarely reported. Herein, we report a rare case of EM preceded by HZ in a 83-year-old male. The patient with no underlying disease presented with an asymptomatic erythematous targetoid plaques on his entire body, which occurred 5 days prior. He also reported a 2 weeks-history of HZ on his Rt. T7-8 dermatome. Histopathologic findings of erythematous targetoid plaque showed dense and diffuse inflammation from the superficial to deep dermis, which were composed of neutrophils, lymphocytes, histiocytes and eosinophils. Based on clinical findings and histologic features, EM was diagnosed. In addition, we performed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with the skin tissue specimen of EM lesion. As far as we know, this is the first case of HZ followed by EM in Korean literature. We suggest that physicians should be aware that HZ associated EM may occur simultaneously.