POST HERPETIC OSTEONECROSIS OF THE MAXILLA

Abstract

Herpes Zoster (HZ) is caused by the secondary reactivation of VaricellaZoster virus. It is characterised by presence of severe pain and unilateralvesicles along the distribution of the affected nerve. Osteonecrosis is one ofthe rare complications of Herpes Zoster which is seen after the acute phase ofthe illness has subsided. We report a case of osteonecrosis of the maxilla in35-years–old female. The subject gave a history of Herpes Zoster of themaxillary branch of the trigeminal nerve. After healing of the lesions, shethen developed osteonecrosis of the maxilla. Further investigations revealedher HIV positive status. The clinical features, pathogenesis and managementof this rare condition are described. Further, the occurrence of HZ inducedosteonecrosis lead to the diagnosis of HIV in the present case.