The take of skin allograft following necrotizing herpes zoster in chronic lymphatic leukaemia (report of a case)

A case of herpes zoster involving the lumbar dermatomes is presented, where an unusual necrosis of the whole skin corresponding to the affected dermatomes was observed. Although it is well known that herpes zoster links with malignancies including chronic lymphatic leukaemia, the necrotizing stage of the skin is unfamiliar. In spite of the fact that malignancy contributes to a decreased host resistance, there is evidence suggesting that herpes zoster virus is the cause of skin necrosis. An allograft skin transplantation was performed successfully in the presence of immune deficient status over a period of six months.