Ramsay Hunt syndrome with atypical progress in a renal transplant recipient: a case report

Exp Clin Transplant. 2011 Dec;9(6):413-6.

Abstract

Ramsay Hunt syndrome is a rare complication of herpes zoster disease in which reactivation of latent varicella zoster virus infection occurs in the geniculate ganglion causing otalgia, unilateral vesicular eruption in a restricted dermatomal distribution, and peripheral facial paralysis. Dermal infections caused by human pathogenic herpes viruses are common in organ transplant recipients. For a transplant surgeon, it is imperative to remember that viral prophylaxis is essential in the follow-up of the transplant patients. Here, we presented a case of renal transplant and Ramsay Hunt syndrome with multiple cranial nerve involvement, with an atypical course. Management and differential diagnosis of this particular case are discussed with a review of the literature.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Viral / blood
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Disease Progression
  • Earache / virology
  • Facial Pain / virology
  • Facial Paralysis / virology
  • Herpes Zoster Oticus / drug therapy
  • Herpes Zoster Oticus / pathology
  • Herpes Zoster Oticus / virology*
  • Herpesvirus 3, Human / immunology
  • Herpesvirus 3, Human / pathogenicity*
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects
  • Kidney Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Skin Diseases, Infectious / virology
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vertigo / virology
  • Virus Activation

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Antiviral Agents
  • Immunosuppressive Agents