Pediatric Ramsay Hunt Syndrome: Analysis of Three Cases.

İmran Aydoğdu,Güler Berkiten,Enes Ataç,Ahmet Arslanoğlu,Yavuz Atar,Ziya Saltürk,Yavuz Uyar,Erdi Özdemir

doi:10.1155/2015/971249

İmran Aydoğdu, Güler Berkiten + Show 6 more

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https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/971249

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Abstract

Ramsay Hunt syndrome (RHS) is a disorder characterized by herpetic eruptions on the auricle, facial paralysis, and vestibulocochlear dysfunction and is attributed to varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection in the geniculate ganglion. Although it is a common cause of acute peripheral facial paralysis, children are not usually affected. The diagnosis is based on history and physical findings. Treatment of RHS uses a combination of high-dose corticosteroids and acyclovir. This paper presents three cases diagnosed as RHS in the pediatric age group in association with the literature review. The aim of this paper is to emphasize the importance of careful examination and early initiation of therapy in suspected cases of RHS.

Highlights

Ramsay Hunt syndrome (RHS) is a rare condition characterized by peripheral facial paralysis, an auricular skin rash, and cochleovestibular symptoms
10% of cases of facial paralysis in pediatric populations are associated with RHS
RHS is rare in children, it is the second most common cause of facial paralysis in children with nontraumatic peripheral facial paralysis [3]

Summary

Introduction

Ramsay Hunt syndrome (RHS) is a rare condition characterized by peripheral facial paralysis, an auricular skin rash, and cochleovestibular symptoms. RHS develops following the reactivation of latent varicella zoster virus (VZV) in the geniculate ganglion, affecting the seventh and eighth cranial nerves [1, 2]. The virus enters the ganglion through sensory branches of the facial nerve located in the ear and tongue. 10% of cases of facial paralysis in pediatric populations are associated with RHS. RHS is rare in children, it is the second most common cause of facial paralysis (after Bell’s palsy) in children with nontraumatic peripheral facial paralysis [3]. We present three cases of RHS in children and a review of the literature

Case 1

Case 2

Case 3

Findings

Discussion