Another case of virologically confirmed zoster sine herpete, with electrophysiologic correlation

Abstract

A third virologically-confirmed case of thoracic-distribution zoster sine herpete is reported. Electromyography (EMG) of paraspinal muscles demonstrated frequent fibrillation potentials restricted to chronically painful thoracic root segments. Treatment with intravenous acyclovir and oral famciclovir were ineffective. These findings suggest the usefulness of EMG of muscles corresponding to painful dermatomes, combined with virologic studies, to support the diagnosis of zoster sine herpete.