Citation Information :
Bansal R, Mittal N, Sankhla U, Gupta A, Dixit M. Laryngeal Herpes: Atypical Presentations. Int J Phonosurg Laryngol 2024; 14 (1):10-12.
Laryngeal herpes is a rare entity. Varicella zoster virus (VZV) can involve the pharyngolaryngeal region and cranial nerves. The first contact with this virus, transmitted by airborne particles shed from the skin of an infected person, produces symptoms. After resolution of symptoms, VZV travels to the dorsal root ganglia of the spinal cord, where it remains dormant for years. Reactivation of the virus occurs secondary to impaired cellular immunity. A case of a 60-year-old man presented with a change in voice and difficulty in swallowing. Another case of a 75-year-old woman presented with a change in voice, sore throat, and right facial palsy. In both cases, flexible laryngoscopy showed vesicles on the right side of the larynx. Cases were confirmed by laryngeal swab PCR testing. Both cases were treated with oral steroids and oral antiviral valacyclovir 500 mg three times a day for 10 days. This clinical condition should be kept in mind when a patient presents with unilateral sore throat and voice change.
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