Korean J Anesthesiol.  2001 Aug;41(2):260-264. 10.4097/kjae.2001.41.2.260.

The Effect of a Sympathectomy Using Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation in Patients with Acute Herpes Zoster: A case report

• Lim KJ
• Wei SY

• KMID: 1936195
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4097/kjae.2001.41.2.260

Abstract

Herpes zoster represents the reactivation of latent varicella-zoster virus located in the dorsal root ganglion. The virus multiplies and migrates to the skin surface producing a characteristic, usually painful, pustular eruption. Severe pain during the acute phase of herpes zoster has been associated with a higher risk of developing postherpetic neuralgia. Sympathetic ganglion blocks have been used for patients in the acute phase of herpes zoster to alleviate pain and prevent postherpetic neuralgia. We experienced 2 cases of patients with acute herpes zoster in which one of them presented with pain localized to the dermatomal distribution of L2-3, the other T3. The authors report the results achieved in treatment of the herpes zoster patients, using radiofrequency thermocoagulation of the sympathetic ganglion.

Keyword

ganglion blockade; radiofrequency thermocoagulation

MeSH Terms

Electrocoagulation*
Ganglia, Spinal
Ganglia, Sympathetic
Herpes Zoster*
Herpesvirus 3, Human
Humans
Neuralgia, Postherpetic
Skin
Sympathectomy*