Bilateral asymmetrical herpes-zoster with Ramsay hunt syndrome in an immunocompetent adult

Virol J. 2020 Aug 15;17(1):123. doi: 10.1186/s12985-020-01392-0.

Abstract

Background: Bilateral herpes zoster (BHZ) is an atypical presentation of herpes zoster (HZ), with few cases reported before. Ramsay Hunt syndrome (RHS) is an uncommon complication of VZV infection. Cases of BHZ with RHS in immunocompetent adults have been reported rarely.

Case presentation: We described an immunocompetent adult who suffered from left-sided thoracic herpes zoster and contralateral RHS simultaneously, and summarizes the characteristics of BHZ.

Conclusions: Cases of BHZ with RHS in immunocompetent adults have not been reported previously. Antivirus - glucocorticoid combination therapy showed a good effect in this case.

Keywords: Antiviral therapy; Bilateral herpes zoster (BHZ); Glucocorticoid; Ramsay hunt syndrome (RHS); Varicella-zoster virus (VZV).

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Facial Paralysis / diagnosis
  • Facial Paralysis / drug therapy
  • Facial Paralysis / virology
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Herpes Zoster / complications*
  • Herpes Zoster / drug therapy
  • Herpes Zoster Oticus / diagnosis*
  • Herpes Zoster Oticus / drug therapy
  • Herpesvirus 3, Human / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Immunocompetence*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Glucocorticoids