Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  2018 Sep;61(9):485-488. 10.3342/kjorl-hns.2016.17566.

Varicella Zoster Virus Infection of the Pharynx and Larynx without Vocal Cord Palsy

• Kim MR
• Shim HK

• KMID: 2436537
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3342/kjorl-hns.2016.17566

Abstract

Varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection in the head and neck may manifest as various clinical symptoms and signs which depend on the combination of involved multiple cranial nerves. Involvements of cranial nerve IX and X by VZV are very rare compared to cranial nerve V, VII, and VIII. We present a case of VZV infection of multiple mucosal erosions in the pharynx and larynx, which was confined to the left side without any associated motor dysfunction. VZV infection was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction on the eruptional mucosal lesions and blood. The patient was treated with an antiviral agent, leading to a complete recovery of multiple mucosal lesions after 2 weeks without any sequela.

Keyword

Glossopharyngeal nerve; Polymerase chain reaction; Vagus nerve; Varicella zoster virus

MeSH Terms

Chickenpox*
Cranial Nerves
Glossopharyngeal Nerve
Head
Herpesvirus 3, Human*
Humans
Larynx*
Neck
Pharynx*
Polymerase Chain Reaction
Trigeminal Nerve
Vagus Nerve
Vocal Cord Paralysis*
Vocal Cords*