The incidence of herniated disc and varicella zoster virus infection in lumboradicular syndrome

Acta Neurol Scand. 1989 Aug;80(2):142-4. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0404.1989.tb03856.x.

Abstract

121 patients suffering from lumboradicular syndrome were examined for the presence of varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection. Lumbar myelography was carried out on all. VZV-antibody determination in blood, as well as in spinal fluid, was by indirect ELISA. In 40% of cases lumbar myelography revealed no signs of a herniated disc; none had raised antibody titre in spinal fluid. VZV-antibody titre in blood indicated VZV infection in only 3.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Viral / blood*
  • Back Pain / diagnosis*
  • Back Pain / etiology
  • Back Pain / microbiology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Herpes Zoster / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Intervertebral Disc Displacement / complications
  • Intervertebral Disc Displacement / diagnosis*
  • Male
  • Syndrome

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral