Zoster Oticus Research Articles

Ramsay hunt syndrome: a case report

Ramsay hunt syndrome (RHS) is a neurological condition comprising of complications with varicella zoster virus (VZV) which results in inflammation of geniculate ganglion. In the days to weeks following zoster, various cranial nerve palsies can develop because the varicella-zoster virus is latent in the cranial nerve ganglia. The trigeminal and facial nerves were the most commonly affected by zoster, based on the cranial nerve involvement. Another common impacted nerve was the vestibulocochlear nerve. As VZV is exclusively human pathogen, research on VZV latency is limited to only human ganglia examination. This case report describes about Ramsay Hunt Syndrome induced or also called as Herpes Zoster Oticus caused by Varicella zoster virus. Diagnosis mainly involved laboratory investigations, patient history, treatment data and other relevant information co-related from various literature. A 46-year-old female patient was diagnosed Ramsay hunt syndrome on the basis of clinical findings as right facial palsy, blisters over right pinna, otalgia and right ear erythematous lesions. Patient also exhibited deviation of angle of mouth to left side and unable to close right eye. This was accompanied by elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) exhibiting acute inflammation. Hemoglobin was low and total leukocyte count was high. Following that, corticosteroids and antivirals were prescribed to assist her medical condition. Remission is slow for RHS, hence patient was also advised for rehabilitation therapy to improvise her lower motor neuron facial palsy. Recurrence is possible in long term so it is imperative to initiate early treatment within 72 hours as soon as the symptoms are observed for better patient care.

Vaccinations in pulmonary diseases - part 2: herpes zoste, RSV, pneumococcal infection and pertussis

RSV is a common cause of respiratory tract infections, posing a risk of severe disease, particularly for newborns and infants, as well as in older individuals with pre-existing conditions. Two safe and effective RSV vaccines were approved in 2023. These vaccines elicit protective antibodies and offer robust protection with no additional benefit from annual boosters. Both vaccines have been approved for individuals aged 60 years and older, while one of the vaccines has also been approved in pregnant women to elicit maternal immunity for passive protection of the unborn child. In Germany, RSV vaccination is currently recommended for all individuals aged 75 years and older, as well as people aged 60-74 years of age with severe underlying conditions. PNEUMOCOCCAL INFECTION: Streptococcus pneumoniae is a primary cause of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Since early 2022, a 20-valent conjugate vaccine (PCV20) is approved and recommended for people over 60 years of age and individuals over 18 years of age with risk factors. PCV20 replaces the 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) previously recommended for those over 60 years of age. Although viewed primarily as a childhood disease, the majority of infections affect adults. Patients with chronic respiratory diseases are at a higher risk for severe clinical course of pertussis infection. It has therefore been recommended that all adults should get a pertussis booster with their next scheduled tetanus vaccination, given as a combination vaccine (Tdap). For risk groups (healthcare personnel, community facilities) a booster vaccination every 10 years is recommended. Herpes Zoster (shingles) is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, and reactivations can lead to painful skin lesions and potential complications such as herpes zoster oticus, meningitis, or postherpetic neuralgia. People with chronic lung diseases such as COPD or asthma are at increased risk of herpes zoster-related complications. A recombinant adjuvanted inactivated vaccine was approved in 2018 and offers robust protection against herpes zoster and its complications. The vaccine is recommended for all people over 60 years of age and for certain risk groups over 50 years of age.

Atypical disseminated herpes zoster infections in patients with demyelinating disease treated with dimethyl fumarate.

We report two patients who developed atypical, disseminated herpes zoster infections while on dimethyl fumarate (DMF) treatment, one with varicella zoster virus (VZV) encephalitis and another with herpes zoster oticus resulting in lasting motor and sensory deficits. We recommend vaccination against VZV prior to DMF initiation be incorporated as standard of care, as ensuring patients are protected against VZV before starting DMF can prevent such severe outcomes.

A study of facial nerve palsy in a tertiary care hospital in south Rajasthan - A cross sectional observational study

Introduction Face is the interpreter of emotions, mirror of soul, powerhouse of senses and wayfor communication. Facial nerve is the seventh cranial nerve which serves vital functions of lacrimation, salivation, taste, hearing and facial expression. It necessitates urgent measures to understand the cause and nature of nerve injury and undertake immediate steps for restoration and rehabilitation of facial symmetry. About 90% of lower motor neuron facial nerve disorders- inflammatory, traumatic or neoplastic, happens along its intratemporal course. Over past two decades, many developments have been made. Newer technologies like radiology, electrodiagnostic study and emergence of intraoperative monitoring have been helpful. Complex course within the bony canal, congenital dehiscence, fine branching, interconnections, segmental blood supply, all these factors show significantly, heading towards causation and final result of insult to nerve. A list of etiologies commonly Bell's palsy, followed by Temporal bone fracture, Iatrogenic trauma, Herpes Zoster Oticus, Otitis Media (OM), Cerebellopontine (CP) angle or Intratemporal neoplasm (facial nerve Schwannoma), result in facial nerve paralysis. The nerve testing depends on determining the scale of distal axonal degeneration (electrodiagnosis), function of branches of the nerve (topo diagnosis) and radiologic guidance in indicated cases1. The pathways of the facial nerve are variable, and knowledge of the key intratemporal and extratemporal landmarks is essential for accurate physical diagnosis and safe and effective surgical intervention.

Ramsay Hunt Syndrome: A Rare Disease of Multiple Cranial Nerve Involvement

Ramsay Hunt Syndrome (RHS) also known as herpes zoster oticus is a viral disease, a member of the human herpes virus family, is a late complication of varicella-zoster virus infection that results in inflammation of the geniculate ganglion of cranial nerve VII. Ramsay Hunt is a clinical diagnosis. The hallmark of the condition is multiple unilateral erythematous vesicles, which are distributed over the auricle and preceded by severe otalgia. If these symptoms are associated with facial nerve palsy, the condition is called RHS which is usually accompanied by vestibulocochlear abnormalities. Diagnosis is often missed or delayed, which can lead to an increased incidence of long-term complications. The condition is self-limiting, but treatment is targeted at decreasing the total duration of the illness as well as providing analgesia and preventing the complications that can occur. This activity reviews the role of the inter professional team in the diagnosis and treatment of RHS. Mugda Med Coll J. 2024; 7(1): 48-52

Herpes Zoster Oticus with Concurrent Hearing Loss: A Study on Clinical Characteristics and Prognosis.

This study aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics and treatment prognoses of patients with Herpes Zoster Oticus (HZO) and concurrent hearing loss (HL). Various clinical characteristics of 192 patients with HZO, with or without concurrent HL, from 2016 to 2020 were retrospectively analyzed through a chart review. All patients were followed-up until recovery or up to 12 months. Demographic and clinical findings were compared between the groups, and the recovery rates of facial palsy, hearing, and other clinical features were analyzed. Facial palsy recovery was analyzed using the House-Brackmann (HB) grading system, and hearing recovery rates were analyzed using the Siegel criteria. Of the 192 patients diagnosed with HZO, 142 had no hearing loss (HZO without HL), and 50 had hearing loss (HZO with HL). While both groups had similar ages, treatment timings, and underlying diseases, the HZO w HL group had a significantly higher rate of dizziness and tinnitus, but received more intratympanic steroid injections. In terms of facial palsy, there were no significant differences in the initial HB grade or recovery rates between the groups. Within the HZO w HL group, hearing loss severity varied, with 52% experiencing mild loss and only 16% achieving complete recovery. Descending-type audiograms were the most common at 66%. In patients with HZO, there was no statistically significant difference between the degree of initial facial paralysis and the degree of recovery of the final facial paralysis according to concurrent HL. However, among patients with concurrent HL, the hearing recovery rate in the HZO group was low.

Cochleo-Vestibular Disorders in Herpes Zoster Oticus: A Literature Review and a Case of Bilateral Vestibular Hypofunction in Unilateral HZO.

The varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a member of the Herpesviridae family, causes both the initial varicella infection and subsequent zoster episodes. Disorders of the eighth cranial nerve are common in people with herpes zoster oticus (HZO). We performed a review of the literature on different databases including PubMed and SCOPUS, focusing on cochlear and vestibular symptoms; 38 studies were considered in our review. A high percentage of cases of HZO provokes cochlear and vestibular symptoms, hearing loss and vertigo, whose onset is normally preceded by vesicles on the external ear. It is still under debate if the sites of damage are the inferior/superior vestibular nerves and cochlear nerves or a direct localization of the infection in the inner ear. The involvement of other contiguous cranial nerves has also been reported in a few cases. We report the case of a patient with single-side HZO presenting clinical manifestations of cochleo-vestibular damage without neurological and meningeal signs; after 15 days, the patient developed a new episode of vertigo with clinical findings of acute contralateral vestibular loss. To our knowledge, only three other such cases have been published. An autoimmune etiology may be considered to explain these findings.

Ramsay hunt syndrome: a case report

Ramsay Hunt syndrome, known as Herpes zoster oticus, is a rare neurological condition due to the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) in the geniculate ganglion of the seventh cranial nerve. The triad is composed of vesicula-pustule-crusted lesions in the ear and external auditory canal, lagophthalmos, and ipsilateral paralysis. Diagnosis is clinical and drug treatment is with antivirals and corticosteroids. The objective of this work is to report a case of Ramsay Hunt Syndrome and reinforce the importance of early diagnosis to minimize neurological damage. Final considerations: It is important to highlight that although the triad findings appeared late, this did not affect the diagnosis and treatment of the patient, who today presents a significant improvement in symptoms and quality of life.

Ramsay hunt syndrome in an immunocompromised patient

A 37-year-old male presented to the emergency department with headache, confusion, right-sided facial droop, and painful rash. One month prior, he underwent staged resection of an intraventricular neurocytoma and was placed on a postoperative dexamethasone taper. Examination revealed weakness in the right cranial nerve VII distribution (Figure 1A), clustered vesicles with erythema in the right ear canal and conchal bowl (Figure 1B), and scattered vesicles on the preauricular cheek. The right anterior third of his tongue had clusters of pustulovesicles (Figure 1C). The patient was diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome (herpes zoster oticus) and urgently started on IV acyclovir. Confirmatory PCR was positive for varicella zoster virus. The patient was discharged with improved mental status. Skin lesions resolved after a 2-week course of IV acyclovir and valacyclovir, but at his 2-year follow-up the patient had persistent facial weakness, vestibular symptoms, and photophobia. Recognizing Ramsay Hunt Syndrome early is crucial as antiviral therapy is most effective when initiated within the first three days of facial paralysis onset. Early treatment may prevent long-term sequelae including permanent facial muscle weakness, hearing loss, corneal scarring, postherpetic neuralgia, tinnitus, vertigo, and taste perception changes. Even with prompt recognition and treatment, immunocompromised patients are likely to have a more severe disease process and less complete recovery.

Vestibular Nucleus Involvement in Patients With Acute Vertigo Due to Herpes Zoster Oticus or Vestibular Neuritis.

Herpes zoster oticus (HZO) typically provokes vestibular symptoms and is traditionally viewed as a cranial nerve equivalent of shingles, but in contrast to vestibular neuritis (VN), it is unclear whether the pathology of HZO is limited to the vestibular nerve (neuritis) or can also involve the brainstem (nucleitis). We retrospectively compared brain MRIs of patients with HZO with those of patients with VN to study radiologic changes in the brainstem. Five of 10 patients with HZO showed signal abnormalities in the vestibular nuclei, which lie in multiple vascular territories, whereas no patients with VN exhibited such findings. HZO may at least in part reflect vestibular nucleitis, as opposed to a pure neuritis.

Safety and Effectiveness of Vedolizumab in Patients with Moderate-to-Severe Ulcerative Colitis: An Interim Analysis of a Japanese Post-Marketing Surveillance Study.

This ongoing post-marketing surveillance monitors the long-term safety and effectiveness of vedolizumab in routine clinical practice in patients with moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis (UC) in Japan. This interim analysis assessed induction-phase data, covering the initial three doses of vedolizumab. Patients were enrolled via a web-based electronic data capture system from approximately 250 institutions. Incidence of adverse events and treatment responses were assessed by the physicians after the patient had received three doses of vedolizumab or when the drug was discontinued, whichever occurred first. Therapeutic response was defined as any treatment response, including remission or improvement of complete or partial Mayo score, and was assessed in the total and stratified patient populations according to prior tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) inhibitor treatments and/or baseline partial Mayo score. The total incidence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) was 4.10% (11/268). Common ADRs were dizziness, nausea, and arthralgia, each reported in 0.75% of patients (2/268). Serious ADRs were herpes zoster oticus and UC, each reported in 0.37% of patients (1/268). Therapeutic response was reported in 84.5% (218/258) of all patients, 85.8% (127/148) of TNFα inhibitor-naïve patients, and 82.7% (91/110) of TNFα inhibitor-experienced patients. Among patients with partial Mayo score of ≥ 4 at baseline, partial Mayo score remission in patients without or with prior TNFα inhibitor treatment was 62.5% (60/96) and 45.6% (36/79), respectively. The results confirm a safety and effectiveness profile of vedolizumab consistent with that observed in previous trials. JapicCTI-194603, NCT03824561.

Depressive disorder and herpes zoster oticus: a case report

IntroductionThe herpes zoster oticus results from the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus, a DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family with strictly human-to-human contamination, affecting the geniculate ganglion of the facial nerve. The manifestations of shingles and post-herpes signs are associated with psychiatric manifestations such as anxiety, insomnia and depressive disorder. Shingles and depressive disorder share common features, such as decreased cellular immunity and a high prevalence in the elderlyObjectivesIs there a correlation between the intensity of depression and the comorbidity of herpes zoster and depression? Is there an explanation for this association? Can adequate therapy of the infection prevent the occurrence of the depressive disorder? Does the existence of this comorbidity affect the response to antidepressants?Methodscase report and litteratureResultscase reportConclusionsWe will try to answer these questions in this work while illustrating by the case of a patient having been touched by this comorbidity and while being based on what was published in literature.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

RAMSAY HUNT SYNDROME: A CASE REPORT

Ramsay Hunt Syndrome (RHS) is a rare disease caused by reactivation of latent Varicella Zoster Virus in the geniculate ganglion which lead to inflammation, edema, and compression of facial nerve. RHS may affect both immunocompetent and immunocompromised patient. Clinical manifestation of RHS include herpes zoster oticus that manifest as vesicular rash on auricular area or oral mucosa in combination with peripheral nerve palsy. We reported a 67-years-old female patient with herpetic vesicle on left side of face and ear accompanied with ipsilateral peripheral facial paralysis since 2 days before admission. Patient was treated with acyclovir for 5 days. Follow up examination showed satisfying clinical improvement with disappearance of vesicles and otalgia, as well as facial weakness improvement from House Brackmann grade III to grade II. Early recognition and treatment of Ramsay Hunt Syndrome is crucial as delay of treatment may lead to sequelae, including postherpetic neuralgia and permanent facial paralysis.

Features of Audio-Vestibular Deficit and 3D-FLAIR Temporal Bone MRI in Patients with Herpes Zoster Oticus.

Herpes zoster oticus (HZO) is characterized by otalgia and erythematous vesicles in the auricle or external auditory canal. Ramsay Hunt syndrome (RHS) can be diagnosed when facial nerve palsy is accompanied by these symptoms of HZO, and in this case, audio-vestibular symptoms such as hearing loss or dizziness often develop. Recently, 3D-fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequence (3D-FLAIR) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been introduced in order to evaluate the inner ear structure pathology. The purpose of this study was to investigate the audio-vestibular characteristics in correlation with temporal bone MRI findings in HZO patients. From September 2018 to June 2022, 18 patients with HZO participated in the study. Thirteen patients (77%) showed high-signal intensity in the inner ear structures in 4 h post-contrast 3D-FLAIR images. In a bithermal caloric test, the lateral semicircular canal showed high signal intensity in 4 h post-contrast 3D-FLAIR images in 75% of patients with abnormal canal paresis. While the cochlea showed high signal intensity in 4 h post-contrast 3D-FLAIR images in 75% of patients with hearing loss, the vestibulo-cochlear nerve showed enhancement in post-contrast T1-weighted images in only 33% of patients with hearing loss. The present study demonstrates that audio-vestibular deficits are well-correlated with increased signal intensity of the inner ear endorgans in 4 h post contrast 3D-FLAIR MRI.

Ramsay-Hunt syndrome in HIV patient

Introduction Ramsay-Hunt syndrome type (SRH) type II is defined by the combination of herpes zoster oticus to acute peripheral facial nerve paralysis, described in 1907 by James Ramsay Hunt. Reactivation of latent varicella-zoster virus in the geniculate ganglion of the facial nerve will cause SRH, resulting in inflammation, edema, and compression of the VII cranial pair. However, nerve involvement, and in turn the development of SRH, manifests in less than 1% of infected patients. It is the second most common cause of atraumatic peripheral facial palsy (PFP) and has an incidence of 5 cases/100,000 people, with no sex predilection. Currently, SRH is classically described as a triad of otalgia, ipsilateral facial paralysis, and vesicles near the ear and ear canal; however, motor, sensory, and autonomic impairment when combined result in diverse neurological damage and may cause different symptoms, its diagnosis is mainly clinical. Goal To report the case of an HIV patient associated with SHR, seen by IIER between May and June/2022. Case Report Male, 49 years old, sought care on 05/20/22 in a hospital with complaints of vertigo and intense headache, associated with nausea and vomiting with onset of symptoms one day ago. His personal history was HIV+, diagnosed in 2013 and under regular treatment. On 5/25/22 resurfaced with the same symptoms of vertigo in conjunction with the appearance of an erythematous and painful vesicle in the right auricular region with edema and flushing of the region in association with PFP symptoms. On 05/30/22 he returned to the clinic with the same symptoms as before, and a magnetic resonance imaging of the temporal bones was done, showing an inflammatory process through the contrast at the bottom of the internal auditory canal suggestive of Bell's Palsy. (To see the complet abstract, please, check out the PDF.)

RAMSAY HUNT SYNDROME

Ramsay Hunt is a rare condition of acute herpes zoster. A painful rash/sores in or near the ear (herpes zoster oticus) and facial weakness/paralysis — are the main hallmarks of Ramsay Hunt. These two symptoms don’t always occur together at the same time. In most cases, only one side of the face is affected. The condition is caused by a viral infection of the facial nerve. It is a type of acute herpes zoster, which occurs by reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus at the geniculate ganglion. Early diagnosis of Ramsay Hunt syndrome is a crucial factor to improve damaged nerves. A combination treatment containing anti-viral agents and steroids to reduce inflammation is recommended for the treatment of Ramsay Hunt syndrome. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the damage to the facial nerve.

Herpes zoster-prevention, diagnosis, and treatment

Herpes zoster (HZ) is acommon skin disease resulting from aregionally limited reactivation of alatent infection with the varicella zoster virus (VZV). Despite its usually self-limiting course, HZ is associated with aconsiderable individual and public health burden of disease, particularly due to its high rate of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). To improve knowledge of the current recommendations for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Narrative review and summary of current guideline recommendations. In Germany, the recombinant VZV subunit zoster vaccine is recommended for all adults of 60+ years and for immunocompromised persons of 50+ years. The diagnosis of HZ is clinical; in case of uncertainty, laboratory investigations can help confirm the diagnosis. For patients with HZ ophthalmicus, HZ oticus or neurological complications, an interdisciplinary approach is advantageous. Antiviral treatment should be started as early as possible; various factors, including the duration and location of the disease, the patient's age and signs of acomplicated course, serve to determine the indication to initiate an antiviral medication. The choice of the appropriate treatment depends, among other factors, on the intravenous availability, comorbidities and intake preferences. Early and sufficient analgesic treatment according to the WHO pain ladder and, if required, with anticonvulsant adjuvants is necessary to treat acute pain and to reduce the risk for PHN. Implementation of the current recommendations for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of HZ and PHN is important to reduce the high burden of disease and improve quality of life of the patients.

Manifestasi Otologik Dari Penyakit Sistemik: Herpes Zoster Oticus (Hzo)

Herpes zoster oticus (HZO) or known as Ramsay Hunt-Syndrome is a collection of symptoms consisting of acute otalgia accompanied by the appearance of herpetic vesicles and facial paresis. The purpose of this paper is to summarize knowledge related to herpes zoster oticus and to find out the otologic manifestations of herpes zoster oticus that is clinical manifestations, management, complications and prognosis in patients with herpes zoster oticus. The method used in writing this literature review is literature review, using literature searching. Library search uses website-based search tools, namely Google, Google Scholar and NCBI. Free full text English and Indonesian publications. The total number of journals selected in this literature review is 6 journals. HZO is characterized by the appearance of a triad of Bell's palsy, ear pain and vesicles. If not treated immediately, it will result in a worse prognosis and various complications occur

Ramsay Hunt Syndrome Revealing HIV Conditions

Objective: To discuss the diagnostic, therapeutic, and evolutionary aspects of a case of herpes zoster oticus associated with facial palsy in HIV conditions. Case Study: We report the case of a 32-year-old married female beautician patient admitted with severe right otalgia associated with a fever that had been evolving for three days. The addition of homolateral otorrhea and headache was noted. The initial examination on admission noted a vesicular rash of the pinna and the external third of the right external auditory canal with a normal tympanic membrane. The evolution was marked 48 hours later by the appearance of a right facial palsy grade V. The CT scan of the rock showed a mastoid and maxillary sinus hypodensity. The paraclinical exploration found a positive retroviral serology to HIV 1 and 2. The diagnosis retained was a Ramsay Hunt syndrome on HIV condition associated with ipsilateral maxillary sinusitis and mastoiditis. The treatment administered was a combination of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid injection of 3 g per day + oral aciclovir 200 mg, acetaminophen 1 g injectable every 6 h, betamethasone 4mg per day, vitamin B complex, artificial tear. Therapeutic inclusion in the HIV/AIDS national program was performed. The evolution was marked by the total regression of the facial palsy after six months of treatment. Conclusion: Otogenic diseases in HIV remain a problem in our context where the circumstances of discovery are most often fortuitous, hence the need to search for the serological status in front of any suspicion of viral infection in adults. The status may constitute a triggering factor or a factor of the severity of the pathology or of the symptoms such as facial palsy or deafness in our case. Early and adapted management has been shown to improve the prognosis.

Persistent hiccups as a rare presentation of Ramsey Hunt syndrome in a renal transplant recipient

Ramsay Hunt syndrome type 2, also known as RHS and herpes zoster oticus, is a disorder that is caused by the reactivation of varicella zoster virus in the geniculate ganglion, a nerve cell bundle of the facial nerve. RHS typically presents with inability to move many facial muscles, pain in the ear, taste loss on the front of the tongue, dry eyes and mouth, and a vesicular rash. However, the association of RHS with multiple cranial nerve involvement and persistent hiccups is less well reported.