Varicella Arthritis in a Young Patient

Abstract

Varicella arthritis (VA) is a very rare complication of Varicella zoster virus infection, typically presenting as mainly monoarthritis in pediatric populations. This report describes the case of a previously healthy 12-year-old boy who developed arthritis following varicella infection. Clinical evaluation and laboratory findings confirmed the diagnosis of VA, characterized by arthritis of the right knee, mild anemia, leukocytosis, thrombocytosis, and elevated inflammatory markers. Autoimmune and infectious serologies excluded other etiologies. The patient was treated with meloxicam, leading to the complete resolution of symptoms and normalization of inflammatory markers within six weeks. This case underscores the importance of considering VA in children presenting with varicella infection, confirmed by serology, and develops arthritis and highlights the favorable prognosis with appropriate management. Molecular mimicry, immune complex deposition, and pro-inflammatory cytokine release are possible contributing factors to the development of VA.

Keywords

varicella / arthritis / autoimmunity

References

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