Findings

Note that blisters and red macules are distributed in a pattern corresponding to the "dermatome" distribution of the peripheral nerves.

Impression

Herpes zoster

Clinical Pathologic Correlation
Shingles occur when HZV becomes activated after being dormant in a dorsal root ganglion following a chickenpox infection. The virus spreads from the ganglion to the afferent sensory nerves, which carry the virus to the corresponding dermatome. Activation of HZV tends to occur in individuals who are immunosuppressed or elderly.

Pathology Pointer

The dermatome distribution of the skin lesion is highly characteristic of herpes zoster (shingles).

Preparation

Fresh

View

Clinical photograph

Specimen

Skin

Image Credit

Terence O'Grady, M.D.
Department of Medicine
School of Medicine
University of California, San Diego