SAEM Clinical Image Series: Rash and Headache in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Rash and Headache in AML 1, disseminated herpes zoster

A 25 year old male with a history of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) after an allogeneic stem cell transplant, which has been in remission for 6 years. He presents with a headache and rash. 4 days ago the patient noticed a rash on the abdomen that was itchy, but not painful. Today, he noticed a similar rash on his face.

The headache started yesterday, waking him up from sleep. It is now slowly getting worse. He endorses chills, nausea, neck stiffness, neck pain, myalgias, and photophobia. He denies fevers, vomiting and phonophobia. He does have small headaches regularly but this headache is one of the most painful of his life. He does not take any immunosuppressants or medications.

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