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Neurological Research and Practice

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Open Access 01-12-2022 | Vasculitis | Research article

Recovery of intracranial stenoses in varicella zoster virus vasculitis after long-term treatment with valacyclovir and prednisolone

Authors: Markus Kraemer, Daniel Strunk, Jana Becker, Roland Veltkamp, Peter Berlit

Published in: Neurological Research and Practice | Issue 1/2022

Abstract

Background and purpose

Optimal treatment of intracranial stenoses in varicella zoster virus (VZV)-associated vasculitis is unknown. This study aims to evaluate the merits and potential pitfalls of a specific therapeutic strategy, initially proposed by Don Gilden in 2015.

Methods

We describe three patients with intracranial stenoses caused by VZV vasculitis successfully treated by a long-term combination of valacyclovir and prednisolone.

Results

All three patients were young men suffering from stroke. Only one reported a first contact to VZV in adulthood. All three presented stenoses in the intracranial part of the internal carotid artery or the proximal segments of the middle cerebral artery as well as an elevated cell count and positive VZV antibody index in cerebrospinal fluid. They received a combination therapy regimen with prednisone and valacyclovir about a minimum of one year. Intracranial stenoses improved markedly in one and almost resolved completely in the other two patients. Side effects of corticosteroid treatment occurred in two patients.

Conclusions

Long-term combination treatment with prednisone and valacyclovir proved to be effective in three young men suffering from intracranial stenosis due to VZV vasculitis.

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Title: Recovery of intracranial stenoses in varicella zoster virus vasculitis after long-term treatment with valacyclovir and prednisolone
Authors: Markus Kraemer
Daniel Strunk
Jana Becker
Roland Veltkamp
Peter Berlit
Publication date: 01-12-2022
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Vasculitis
Vasculitis
Stroke
Human Alphaherpesvirus 3
Prednisolone
Published in: Neurological Research and Practice / Issue 1/2022
Electronic ISSN: 2524-3489
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s42466-022-00180-1

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Recovery of intracranial stenoses in varicella zoster virus vasculitis after long-term treatment with valacyclovir and prednisolone

Abstract

Background and purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background and purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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