Fatal Varicella-Zoster Virus Vasculopathy Associated With Adalimumab Therapy

Abstract

Objective: To describe the case of a patient who had been receiving adalimumab for rheumatoid arthritis and died of varicella-zoster virus vasculopathy with multifocal cerebral hemorrhage. Design: Case report. Setting: Hanyang University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea. Patient: A 66-year-old woman with adalimumab therapy for rheumatoid arthritis followed by stuporous mental changes. Results: Magnetic resonance imaging scans showed multifocal parenchymal lesions and hemorrhage in the brainstem and supratentorial areas. Polymerase chain reaction analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid was positive for varicella-zoster virus. The patient died of multifocal vasculopathy despite intensive antiviral and antibacterial medication. Conclusions: Varicella-zoster virus multifocal vasculopathy with encephalitis may be associated with adalimumab therapy. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of fatal varicella-zoster virus vasculopathy with encephalitis in patients undergoing adalimumab therapy for rheumatoid arthritis.