Viral Infection of Megakaryocytes in Varicella with Purpura

Abstract

A 9-year-old boy died with intracerebral hemorrhage during the course of disseminated varicella. Hepatic damage and thrombocytopenia contributed to his bleeding tendency. Viral infection of megakaryocytes was found at autopsy and documented by electron microscopy. Some instances of thrombocytopenia in varicella may be caused by viral infection of megakaryocytes.