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Delayed facial palsy after middle-ear surgery due to reactivation of varicella-zoster virus

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

Kiyofumi Gyo*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Ehime University Hospital, Ehime, Japan
Nobumitsu Honda
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Ehime University Hospital, Ehime, Japan
*
Address for correspondence: Kiyofumi Gyo M.D., Department of Otolaryngology, Ehime University Hospital, Onsengun, Shigenobu-cho, Ehime, 791-02, Japan

Abstract

Viral reactivation is thought to be an important cause of post-operative facial palsy of delayed onset. We present an unusual case of Ramsay-Hunt syndrome that occurred as a consequence of middle-ear surgery by triggering varicella-zoster virus reactivation. As a pathognomonic auricular eruption was not seen, the patient was initially misdiagnosed as iatrogenic facial palsy. Clinical features, diagnosis and management are discussed.

Type
Clinical Records
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1999

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