Disseminated visceral varicella presenting as gastric ulcers

Disseminated varicella-zoster virus infection may involve the gastrointestinal tract and present as dysphagia or gastric ulcers in immunosuppressed patients.Elderly patients with diabetes mellitus are at increased risk for atypical and visceral manifestations of varicella-zoster virus, and increased risk of atypical or visceral varicella-zoster manifestations when gastrointestinal symptoms accompany recent or evolving skin lesions.While antiviral therapy is generally recommended for disseminated or visceral varicella-zoster infection, clinical improvement may occur with supportive care in selected cases. Nonetheless, close monitoring is mandatory and antivirals should be promptly initiated if clinical worsening is observed.