Widespread arterial infection by varicella-zoster virus explains refractory giant cell arteritis

Virologic analysis of tissues from a patient with giant cell arteritis (GCA) who was treated with corticosteroids and died of extensive necrotizing granulomatous arteritis revealed widespread varicella-zoster virus (VZV) antigen in multiple large arteries. Long-term treatment with corticosteroids likely potentiated VZV infection.

Source: Neurology Neuroimmunology and Neuroinflammation - June 4, 2015 Category: Neurology Authors: Gilden, D., White, T., Galetta, S. L., Fogt, F., Nagel, M. A. Tags: Stroke prevention, Vasculitis, Viral infections Clinical/Scientific Notes Source Type: research