Reactivation of varicella presenting as pseudotumor cerebri: three cases and a review of the literature

Abstract

The possible association of pseudotumor cerebri and varicella infection was previously mentioned in a few case reports. In those cases, the history and clinical features of active varicella were obvious, and signs were directly related to the varicella infection. We describe three immunocompetent children with pseudotumor cerebri as the only manifestation of Varicella zoster virus reactivation, with a review of the literature. We suggest considering Varicella zoster virus in children with pseudotumor cerebri, even in the absence of a history of recent varicella infection.