Acute abdominal pain preceding cutaneous manifestations of varicella zoster infection after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation

The current communication describes clinical findings in two recipients of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) with varicella zoster virus infection who complained of acute severe abdominal pain preceding cutaneous manifestations. Physical examination, laboratory data and gastroscopic findings were nonspecific. In these cases, acyclovir was very effective for the symptoms. Varicella zoster virus infection should be suspected in BMT recipients who have rebellant acute abdominal pain but no characteristic skin eruptions.