Unusual presentation of Ramsay Hunt syndrome in renal transplant patients: case report and literature review

Transpl Infect Dis. 2009 Feb;11(1):72-4. doi: 10.1111/j.1399-3062.2008.00353.x. Epub 2008 Oct 30.

Abstract

Ramsay Hunt syndrome (RHS) is a rare manifestation of varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection that accounts for around 12% of all cases of facial paralysis. Although it is more common in immunosuppressed individuals, it has not been yet reported in kidney transplant recipients. We describe the case of a 41-year-old man with a history of renal transplant for whom the diagnosis and treatment of RHS were delayed owing to an unusual presentation. We also review the literature on VZV infection in renal transplant patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Ear / pathology
  • Herpes Zoster Oticus / complications*
  • Herpes Zoster Oticus / diagnosis*
  • Herpes Zoster Oticus / pathology
  • Herpes Zoster Oticus / virology
  • Herpesvirus 3, Human / isolation & purification*
  • Humans
  • Kidney Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Mastoiditis / pathology
  • Mastoiditis / virology*