Varicella-zoster virus pneumonitis.

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection occurs primarily as chickenpox or herpes zoster. The VZV infection is generally considered self-limiting, with little associated morbidity and mortality. Fatal infections due to VZV were reported in the latter years of the 19th century and early in the 20th century. It was not until 1942 that VZV pneumonitis was recognized as a clinical entity with potentially lethal effects in otherwise healthy adults.1 Today, this complication is regarded as the most serious manifestation of disseminated VZV infections. Reviewed herein is the epidemiology, pathology, clinical features (including radiographic hallmarks), complications, treatment, and prevention of VZV pneumonitis.