Shingles Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Shingles, including details on symptoms, treatment, causes, virus.

Herpes zoster laryngitis: case report and serological profile.

Watelet JB, Evrard AS, Lawson G, Bonte K, Remacle M, Van Cauwenberge P, Vermeersch H

Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium. jeanbaptiste.watelet@ugent.be

Compared to herpes zoster oticus, varicella zoster virus (VZV) reactivations in immunocompetent patients are rare in laryngeal region. Usually, associated vocal cord paralyses are reported. Herein is a case report of a patient with laryngeal zoster without any associated motor disorders. An attempt is made to assign the distribution of mucosal eruptions to the appropriate neuroanatomical structures. A description of the serological course of VZV IgM and IgG are provided. Vesicles were found on the left sensory distribution areas of the superior laryngeal nerve. VZV IgM and IgG antibodies reached their peak 1 month after initial symptoms. Attentive follow-up and no antiviral therapy were advocated because of the absence of any immune deficiency or endoscopic suspicion of malignancy. In this case of VZV reactivation in the sensitive area of the superior laryngeal nerve, serological profiles of VZV IgM and IgG were profoundly modified up to the fourth month.

Published 3 April 2007 in Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol, 264(5): 505-7.
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