Varicella Zoster Virus Infection of the Pharynx and Larynx without Vocal Cord Palsy / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

Varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection in the head and neck may manifest as various clinical symptoms and signs which depend on the combination of involved multiple cranial nerves. Involvements of cranial nerve IX and X by VZV are very rare compared to cranial nerve V, VII, and VIII. We present a case of VZV infection of multiple mucosal erosions in the pharynx and larynx, which was confined to the left side without any associated motor dysfunction. VZV infection was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction on the eruptional mucosal lesions and blood. The patient was treated with an antiviral agent, leading to a complete recovery of multiple mucosal lesions after 2 weeks without any sequela.