Rapid herpes zoster infection on latissimus dorsi flap following breast reconstruction: a case report

Abstract

In addition to the esthetic outcomes, autologous breast reconstruction offers satisfactory functional results via sensory recovery of the flap. A herpes zoster infection developed after an autologous breast reconstruction provides objective evidence of spontaneous reinnervation in a reconstructed breast. One previous case of a herpes zoster infection on autologous latissimus dorsi flap has been reported to date; the infection developed 2 years after the breast reconstruction operation. However, our case presents a herpes zoster infection developing only 2 months after surgery. To our knowledge, the present case represents the first reported instance of a herpes zoster infection that developed shortly after the breast reconstruction using a latissimus dorsi flap.