Korean J Anesthesiol.  2007 May;52(5):586-590. 10.4097/kjae.2007.52.5.586.

Pulsed Radiofrequency Treatement of the Stellate Ganglion in Acute Herpes Zoster: A case report

• Lee SM
• Park CH
• Kim WT
• Lee CS
• Choi JS
• Kim JY

• KMID: 2239880
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4097/kjae.2007.52.5.586

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 block and somatic nerve block have been used for patients in the acute phase of herpes zoster to alleviate pain and prevent postherpetic neuralgia. Sympathetic nerve block appears to achieve these goals by blocking the profound sympathetic stimulation that is a result of the viral inflammation of the nerve and ganglion. However, they require repeated local anesthetic injections to relieve the symptoms of acute herpes zoster as well as to prevent the occurrence of postherpetic neuralgia. Pulsed radiofrequency has been proposed as safe, nondestructive treatment method. We present a case of acute herpes zoster that was managed with pulsed radiofrequency treatment. The results were satisfactory.

Keyword

acute herpes zoster; pulsed radiofrequency; sympathetic ganglion blocks

MeSH Terms

Autonomic Nerve Block
Ganglia, Spinal
Ganglia, Sympathetic
Ganglion Cysts
Herpes Zoster*
Herpesvirus 3, Human
Humans
Inflammation
Nerve Block
Neuralgia, Postherpetic
Pulsed Radiofrequency Treatment
Skin
Stellate Ganglion*