Reactivation of varicella-zoster virus in delayed facial palsy after dental treatment and oro-facial surgery

Neurological Complications of Local Anesthesia in Dentistry: A Review

Local anesthesia is a technique that temporarily desensitizes a specific body area, typically for a surgical procedure, dental work, or pain management. It is described as a sensation loss in a specific area of the body due to depression of excitation in the nerve endings or due to the inhibition of the conduction process within the peripheral nerves. It allows for safer and more comfortable medical procedures, reducing the need for general anesthesia and facilitating faster recovery. Local anesthesia is generally safe, but like any medical intervention, it carries potential risks and side effects. The complications related to local anesthetics can be assessed in terms of neurological, vascular, local, systemic, and neurological. In this review article, we discussed the neurological complications of local anesthesia related to the ophthalmic nerve, maxillary nerve, mandibular nerve, branches of the trigeminal nerve, and facial nerve. These include diplopia, ptosis, paralysis of the eye, blindness, paresthesia, trismus, soft tissue lesions, edema, hematoma, facial blanching, infection, allergy, overdose, neuralgia, facial palsy, etc.

Delayed motor weakness following peripheral nerve schwannoma resection: illustrative cases

BACKGROUND

Delayed facial palsy (DFP) after vestibular schwannoma resection is a well-documented, yet poorly understood condition. The exact pathophysiological mechanisms of DFP are unknown, although diminished intraoperative nerve response has been shown to be a prognostic factor. To date, no such condition has been described in regard to peripheral nerve schwannomas.

OBSERVATIONS

Here the authors present the first reported cases of delayed motor weakness (DMW) after peripheral schwannoma resection of the ulnar nerve at the elbow and peroneal nerve in the popliteal fossa. Both patients presented with a mass lesion and radiating paresthesias and had normal motor function preoperatively. Immediately after surgical resection, the patients had full strength. Within 24 hours, both patients exhibited marked weakness that gradually resolved over the course of several weeks.

LESSONS

DMW after peripheral schwannoma resection is a rare condition likely akin to delayed facial nerve palsy after VS resection. The mechanism of this phenomenon remains unknown, although symptoms appear to self-resolve with time. A better understanding of the processes driving this condition may allow for therapies that can expedite and improve long-term outcomes.

[Reactivation of latent viruses in Neurology]

After establishing latent infection, some viruses can be reactivated by the alteration of host immunological conditions. First, we reviewed viruses that can cause neuronal damage by reactivation. Then we focused on the herpes simplex virus (HSV). The reactivation leads to neuronal damages through two possible mechanisms; "reactivation of a latent herpes virus" by which viruses can cause direct virus neurotoxicity, and "post-infectious immune inflammatory response" by which a focal reactivation of HSV leads to an inflammatory reaction. The former is radiologically characterized by cortical lesions, the latter is characterized by subcortical white matter lesions. We experienced a female, who underwent the right posterior quadrantectomy and then developed recurrent herpes encephalitis caused by herpes simplex reactivation, which pathologically demonstrated inflammation in the white matter, suggesting a post-infectious immune inflammatory response. The patient was successfully treated with immunosuppressants. The reactivation of the HSV is extremely rare in Japan. Neurologists should recognize this condition because this disorder will increase as epilepsy surgery gains more popularity.

Transient facial nerve palsy following dental local anaesthesia

Facial nerve palsy is a rare but known complication of dental local anaesthesia and may be underreported. We describe a case of a transient facial nerve palsy following the administration of an inferior alveolar nerve block and discuss the immediate practical management. Knowing the likely transient nature of this complication means the patient can be reassured and unnecessary referral avoided. While the blink reflex is inhibited, steps are needed in order to protect the cornea and prevent secondary infection and scarring.

Post-total knee arthroplasty herpes zoster activation

Herpes zoster is a clinical manifestation of reactivation of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) that lies dormant in the dorsal root ganglia after a past primary infection. It can be associated with severe pain, a crop of vesicles in typical dermatomal distribution but the neuralgic pain persists long, making the patient uncomfortable and often disturbing patient's sleep. There are cases reported after trauma or post surgeries that are mainly related to organ transplant or malignancy. In the literature, there is a solitary report of VZV infection along the sciatic nerve post ipsilateral hip and contralateral knee joint replacement. Here, we report a VZV infection in post knee replacement setting along the L2-3 dermatomal distribution.

Looking back to move forward: a twenty-year audit of herpes zoster in Asia-Pacific

Background

Herpes zoster (HZ) is a prevalent viral disease that inflicts substantial morbidity and associated healthcare and socioeconomic burdens. Current treatments are not fully effective, especially among the most vulnerable patients. Although widely recommended, vaccination against HZ is not routine; barriers in Asia-Pacific include long-standing neglect of adult immunisation and sparse local data. To address knowledge gaps, raise awareness, and disseminate best practice, we reviewed recent data and guidelines on HZ from the Asia-Pacific region.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Scopus, and World Health Organization databases for articles about HZ published from 1994 to 2014 by authors from Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. We selected articles about epidemiology, burden, complications, comorbidities, management, prevention, and recommendations/guidelines. Internet searches retrieved additional HZ immunisation guidelines.

Results

From 4007 retrieved articles, we screened-out 1501 duplicates and excluded 1264 extraneous articles, leaving 1242 unique articles. We found guidelines on adult immunisation from Australia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea, and Thailand.

HZ epidemiology in Asia-Pacific is similar to elsewhere; incidence rises with age and peaks at around 70 years – lifetime risk is approximately one-third. Average incidence of 3–10/1000 person-years is rising at around 5% per year. The principal risk factors are immunosenescence and immunosuppression. HZ almost always causes pain, and post-herpetic neuralgia is its most common complication. Half or more of hospitalised HZ patients have post-herpetic neuralgia, secondary infections, or inflammatory sequelae that are occasionally fatal. These disease burdens severely diminish patients’ quality of life and incur heavy healthcare utilisation.

Conclusions

Several countries have abundant data on HZ, but others, especially in South-East Asia, very few. However, Asia-Pacific countries generally lack data on HZ vaccine safety, efficacy and cost-effectiveness. Physicians treating HZ and its complications in Asia-Pacific face familiar challenges but, with a vast aged population, Asia bears a unique and growing burden of disease. Given the strong rationale for prevention, most adult immunisation guidelines include HZ vaccine, yet it remains underused. We urge all stakeholders to give higher priority to adult immunisation in general and HZ in particular.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12879-017-2198-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Initial Presentation Sites as Predictors of Herpes Zoster Complications: A Nationwide Cohort Study

Herpes zoster (HZ) is associated with complications such as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) and HZ ophthalmicus (HZO). However, few studies have focused on identifying patients having a high risk of PHN and HZO according to the initial presentation sites. The current study investigated these factors in a nationwide population-based cohort derived from Taiwan’s Longitudinal Health Insurance Database. The results indicate that the initial presentation sites can predict the complication site of HZ. In this study, elderly patients were found to be more susceptible to HZ and were the first to present with neurological signs (HZN). Furthermore, compared with patients with HZO and other signs (HZT), those with HZN had a higher comorbidity risk. Patients with HZN showed a significantly higher visceral complication risk than did those with HZO (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 1.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.27–1.71). In addition, patients with HZT showed lower risks of ocular and neurological complications than did those with HZN after stratification by age and sex (adjusted HR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.31–0.68 and HR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.59–0.91, respectively).

Induction of varicella zoster virus DNA replication in dissociated human trigeminal ganglia

Varicella zoster virus (VZV), a human neurotropic alphaherpesvirus, becomes latent after primary infection and reactivates to produce zoster. To study VZV latency and reactivation, human trigeminal ganglia removed within 24 h after death were mechanically dissociated, randomly distributed into six-well tissue culture plates and incubated with reagents to inactivate nerve growth factor (NGF) or phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3-kinase) pathways. At 5 days, VZV DNA increased in control and PI3-kinase inhibitor-treated cultures to the same extent, but was significantly more abundant in anti-NGF-treated cultures (p = 0.001). Overall, VZV DNA replication is regulated in part by an NGF pathway that is PI3-kinase-independent.

A rare case of Ramsay Hunt syndrome following temporomandibular joint surgery

Surgical approaches to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) have been designed specifically to minimize injury to the temporal branch of the facial nerve. In spite of this, facial nerve dysfunction occurs in 1-32% of patients undergoing TMJ surgery. Ramsay Hunt syndrome is characterized by peripheral facial paralysis that often involves other cranial nerves, mostly cranial nerve VIII. The pathology is attributed to the reactivation of latent varicella zoster virus in the geniculate ganglion. The diagnosis is based mostly on history and physical findings. Surgical procedures have been known to reactivate varicella zoster virus, but Ramsay Hunt syndrome subsequent to TMJ surgery has not been described yet. This report describes a case of Ramsay Hunt syndrome associated with TMJ surgery. Because of the relatively high incidence of facial nerve dysfunction associated with TMJ surgery, patients with varicella zoster virus reactivation may initially be misdiagnosed with iatrogenic facial palsy, or vice versa.

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus following onabotulinumtoxinA administration for chronic migraine: a case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

There is a growing body of literature documenting local herpes zoster outbreak following procedures. The mechanism underlying these outbreaks remains elusive. We present a case of zoster following onabotulinumtoxinA (BTX) for migraine and a literature review.

METHODS

Chart and literature review.

CASE

A 72-year-old woman with chronic migraine received BTX injections for 3 years without incident. She had a history of thoracic zoster with subsequent post-herpetic neuralgia. In August 2013, 48 hours after receiving BTX injections, she developed a painful rash in the right V1 distribution consistent with herpes zoster ophthalmicus. One week later the rash had resolved without treatment.

LITERATURE REVIEW

We identified 65 (including 2 from Juel-Jenson) cases of zoster reactivation following minor procedures. These cases tend to be in young patients without specific risk factors. Outbreaks characteristically occur at the level of exposure to local trauma.

DISCUSSION

Our review suggests that local trauma, regardless of the nature of stimuli, may be sufficient for zoster reactivation. We hypothesize that the stressors in these reported cases exert a local epigenetic influence on viral transcription, allowing for viral reactivation.

CONCLUSION

Zoster is a potential complication of BTX administration for chronic migraine in adults. Physician awareness can reduce the significant morbidity associated with this disease.

Search for varicella zoster virus DNA in saliva of healthy individuals aged 20-59 years

All neurological and ocular complications of varicella zoster virus (VZV) reactivation can occur without rash. Virological verification requires detection of VZV DNA or anti-VZV IgG antibody in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), or anti-VZV IgM antibody in serum or CSF. If VZV were readily detected in other tissue in patients with neurological disease without rash and found to correlate with tests listed above, more invasive tests such as lumbar puncture might be obviated. Saliva is a potential source of VZV DNA. To study the potential diagnostic value of detecting VZV DNA in saliva from patients with neurological disease, saliva of healthy adults was searched for VZV DNA. A single saliva sample obtained by passive drool was centrifuged at 16,000g for 20 min. DNA was extracted from the supernatant and cell pellet and examined in triplicate for VZV DNA by real time PCR. A single random saliva sample from 80 healthy men and women aged 20-59 years revealed no VZV DNA (Table ), but was uniformly positive for cell (GAPdH) DNA. Because VZV DNA was not found in a random saliva sample from 80 individuals 20-59-year-old, a VZV-positive sample during neurologic disease may have potential significance. Further studies will determine whether VZV DNA in saliva correlates with VZV DNA or anti-VZV antibody in CSF in patients with neurological disease.

Pathogenesis and current approaches to control of varicella-zoster virus infections

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) was once thought to be a fairly innocuous pathogen. That view is no longer tenable. The morbidity and mortality due to the primary and secondary diseases that VZV causes, varicella and herpes zoster (HZ), are significant. Fortunately, modern advances, including an available vaccine to prevent varicella, a therapeutic vaccine to diminish the incidence and ameliorate sequelae of HZ, effective antiviral drugs, a better understanding of VZV pathogenesis, and advances in diagnostic virology have made it possible to control VZV in the United States. Occult forms of VZV-induced disease have been recognized, including zoster sine herpete and enteric zoster, which have expanded the field. Future progress should include development of more effective vaccines to prevent HZ and a more complete understanding of the consequences of VZV latency in the enteric nervous system.

Inflammatory trigeminal nerve and tract lesions associated with inferior alveolar nerve anaesthesia

Inferior alveolar nerve blocks are commonly performed for dental anaesthesia. The procedure is generally safe with a low rate of complications. We report a patient with a reproducible, delayed-onset sensory deficit associated with contrast-enhancing lesions in the trigeminal nerve, pons and medulla following inferior alveolar nerve local anaesthesia. We propose that this previously undescribed condition is a form of Type IV hypersensitivity reaction.

Kampo Medicine, Based on Traditional Medicine Theory, in Treating Uncured Glossodynia: Efficacy in Five Clinical Cases

Glossodynia, or tongue pain, is resistant to conventional therapies. Kampo medicines were evaluated in patients suffering from incurable glossodynia. Patients were diagnosed by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory in order to determine the appropriate herbal prescriptions. Five Japanese females (50–76 years old) with glossodynia refractory to conventional therapy were enrolled in this study. Small portions of Rikkunshito, Jiinkokato, Hachimijiogan and Ryutanshakanto worked for a female diagnosed with "Spleen" and "Heart" Yin deficiency, "Kidney" Yang deficiency and "Liver" Qi stagnation producing heat syndrome. Seishoekkito and Bakumondoto were effective for a patient diagnosed with "Spleen Qi" deficiency and "Stomach" Yin deficiency producing heat syndrome. Rikkunshito, Kamikihito and Chikujountanto worked for a patient diagnosed with "Spleen Qi" and "Heart Yin" deficiency, stagnation of "Liver" Qi producing fire and "Gallbladder" Qi deficiency. Rokumijiogan, Kamishoyosan and Kambakutaisoto were effective for a patient with Yang rise based on Yin deficiency of "Kidney" and "Liver," and restless organ disorder based on Yin deficiency of 5 viscera. A patient diagnosed with "Spleen" Yang deficiency responded to a combination of Anchusan and Hangeshashinto. These patients with glossodynia had resolution of pain within 1 month of treatment. Herbal mixtures containing Ganoderam lucidum, not prescribed based on TCM theory, but effective for herpes virus infection, worked for a female suffering from glossodynia for 1 year after artificial teeth were placed, but required about 5 months to note improvement. Kampo medicines, properly prescribed based on TCM theory, quickly resolved the pain of refractory glossodynia.

Varicella zoster virus latency

Primary infection by varicella zoster virus (VZV) typically results in childhood chickenpox, at which time latency is established in the neurons of the cranial nerve, dorsal root and autonomic ganglia along the entire neuraxis. During latency, the histone-associated virus genome assumes a circular episomal configuration from which transcription is epigenetically regulated. The lack of an animal model in which VZV latency and reactivation can be studied, along with the difficulty in obtaining high-titer cell-free virus, has limited much of our understanding of VZV latency to descriptive studies of ganglia removed at autopsy and analogy to HSV-1, the prototype alphaherpesvirus. However, the lack of miRNA, detectable latency-associated transcript and T-cell surveillance during VZV latency highlight basic differences between the two neurotropic herpesviruses. This article focuses on VZV latency: establishment, maintenance and reactivation. Comparisons are made with HSV-1, with specific attention to differences that make these viruses unique human pathogens.

Peripheral facial nerve paralysis after upper third molar extraction

Peripheral facial nerve paralysis (PFNP) after mandibular interventions has been reported in the literature. In most cases, paralysis begins immediately after the injection of the mandibular anesthesia, and duration of facial weakness is less than 12 hours. However, there are few documented cases of PFNP after maxillary dental or surgical procedures. A variety of mechanisms have been associated to PFNP, including viral reactivation, demyelination, edema, vasospasm, and trauma. The purpose of this presentation was to report a rare case of facial paralysis that occurred after an upper third molar extraction. The cause of the PFNP and the importance of the multidisciplinary approach in the management are emphasized.

Paresthesias in dentistry

Alterations to normal oral sensory function can occur following restorative and surgical dental procedures. Paresthesia is defined as an abnormal sensation, such as burning, pricking, tickling, or tingling. Paresthesias are one of the more general groupings of nerve disorders known as neuropathies. This article reviews the extent of this oral complication as it relates to dental and surgical procedures, with specific emphasis on paresthesias associated with local anesthesia administration. This review establishes a working definition for paresthesia as it relates to surgical trauma and local anesthesia administration, describes the potential causes for paresthesia in dentistry, assesses the incidence of paresthesias associated with surgery and local anesthesia administration, addresses the strengths and weaknesses in research findings, and presents recommendations for the use of local anesthetics in clinical practice.

Acute postoperative herpes zoster with a sciatic nerve distribution after total joint arthroplasty of the ipsilateral hip and contralateral knee

The differential diagnosis of a patient with acute onset of hip pain during the postoperative recovery period after total hip arthroplasty includes sciatic nerve injury, infection, incisional pain, hardware, or simply muscular issues related to overactivity. Moreover, because the rash of herpes zoster develops after 4 or 5 days of pain, it is difficult to diagnose herpes zoster during the early period. A number of reports have been issued on herpes zoster after surgery or trauma, but no report is available on herpes zoster development with a sciatic nerve distribution after ipsilateral total hip arthroplasty. The authors report the case of 75-year-old woman with herpes zoster with a sciatic nerve distribution after 2 primary total joint arthroplasties of a hip and knee.

Clinical and molecular aspects of varicella zoster virus infection

A declining cell-mediated immunity to varicella zoster virus (VZV) with advancing age or immunosuppression results in virus reactivation from latently infected human ganglia anywhere along the neuraxis. Virus reactivation produces zoster, often followed by chronic pain (postherpetic neuralgia or PHN) as well as vasculopathy, myelopathy, retinal necrosis and cerebellitis. VZV reactivation also produces pain without rash (zoster sine herpete). Vaccination after age 60 reduces the incidence of shingles by 51%, PHN by 66% and the burden of illness by 61%. However, even if every healthy adult over age 60 years is vaccinated, there would still be about 500,000 zoster cases annually in the United States alone, about 200,000 of whom will experience PHN. Analyses of viral nucleic acid and gene expression in latently infected human ganglia and in an animal model of varicella latency in primates are serving to determine the mechanism(s) of VZV reactivation with the aim of preventing reactivation and the clinical sequelae.

Viral reactivation is not related to septic complications after major surgical resections

Anastomotic leakage and septic complications are the most important determinants of postoperative outcome after major surgical resections. Malignant diseases and surgical trauma can influence immune responses and the ability to react against infectious factors, such as bacteria and viruses. Comparable immune suppression can cause viral reactivation in transplantation and trauma patients. In this prospective study, patients who underwent major surgical resections for oesophageal or pancreatic cancer were investigated for the potential involvement of viral reactivation in the development of septic complications. 86 patients (40 oesophageal resections, 27 pancreatic resections, 19 surgical explorations) were included. Viral antigens, viral DNA, antibodies against viral structures (IgG, IgM, IgA) and, in part, viral cultivation were performed for CMV, EBV, HSV1, HSV2, HZV6 and VZV in serum, urine, sputum and swabs from buccal mucosa preoperatively and at postoperative days 1, 3 and 5. Test results were compared with the postoperative outcome (30-day morbidity, in-hospital mortality) and clinical scores (SOFA, TISS). For statistical analyses Student's t-tests and Chi2-tests were used. The overall complication rate was 19.8% (30-day morbidity) with an in-hospital mortality of 1.2% (1/86 patients). Postoperatively, anti-CMV-IgG titres were significantly reduced (p<0.05) and remained suppressed in patients with septic complications. Anti-CMV-gB-IgG were also reduced, but showed considerable interindividual differences. Anti-CMV-IgA and -IgM did not show significant alterations in the postoperative course. In addition, direct viral detection methods did not support viral reactivation in patients in any of the investigated groups. The reduction of anti-CMV antibodies is likely caused by an immune suppression, specifically by reduced B-cell counts after major surgical interventions. Viral reactivation, however, did not occur in the early postoperative period as a specific risk for septic complications.

Acute Postoperative Shingles After Thoracic Sympathectomy for Hyperhidrosis

Shingles secondary to reactivation of a previous varicella-zoster virus infection has been reported to develop within surgical wounds and after trauma. We report the case of a 17-year-old girl with history of chicken pox in childhood who had acute postoperative shingles develop along the T3-T4 dermatomes after thoracic sympathectomy for hyperhidrosis. The possible causes and precipitating factors are discussed.

Delayed peripheral facial palsy in the stapes surgery: can it be prevented?

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate poststapedectomy-delayed facial palsy etiopathogenesis, risk factors, evolution, and prevention.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seven hundred six stapedectomies performed in 580 patients were reviewed. In all patients who developed delayed facial palsy, the dates of onset and subside of facial palsy, the anatomic and pathologic predisposing factors, and a possible history for recurrent labial herpetic lesions were considered. The House-Brackmann (H-B) grading system was used to evaluate the facial function. Virus-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) G and IgM antibodies against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) 3 weeks after the onset of the paralysis. The results were compared with a control group without a history of recurrent herpes labialis.

RESULTS

Poststapedectomy facial palsy developed in 7 out of 706 procedures. All 7 patients referred a history of recurrent labial herpetic lesions. One patient showed a facial palsy H-B grade II, 2 a grade III, and 3 a grade IV. After acyclovir therapy, 6 subjects recovered completely, whereas 1 maintained an H-B grade II. An increased IgG antibody titer was found in 6 of the patients with delayed facial palsy and in 1 out of 7 controls. Mean IgG titer was 1:14,050 in the subjects with delayed facial palsy and 1:2,300 in controls (P <.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Poststapedectomy-delayed facial palsy is likely caused by a reactivation of HSV-1, latent within the geniculate ganglion. The activation of the latent virus is more frequent in patients with a history of herpes labialis and can be prevented by an adequate acyclovir therapy.

Stress-induced subclinical reactivation of varicella zoster virus in astronauts

Varicella zoster virus (VZV) becomes latent in human ganglia after primary infection. VZV reactivation occurs primarily in elderly individuals, organ transplant recipients, and patients with cancer and AIDS, correlating with a specific decline in cell-mediated immunity to the virus. VZV can also reactivate after surgical stress. The unexpected occurrence of thoracic zoster 2 days before space flight in a 47-year-old healthy astronaut from a pool of 81 physically fit astronauts prompted our search for VZV reactivation during times of stress to determine whether VZV can also reactivate after non-surgical stress. We examined total DNA extracted from 312 saliva samples of eight astronauts before, during, and after space flight for VZV DNA by polymerase chain reaction: 112 samples were obtained 234-265 days before flight, 84 samples on days 2 through 13 of space flight, and 116 samples on days 1 through 15 after flight. Before space flight, only one of the 112 saliva samples from a single astronaut was positive for VZV DNA. In contrast, during and after space flight, 61 of 200 (30%) saliva samples were positive in all eight astronauts. No VZV DNA was detected in any of 88 saliva samples from 10 healthy control subjects. These results indicate that VZV can reactivate subclinically in healthy individuals after non-surgical stress.

What does epidemiology tell us about risk factors for herpes zoster?

Reactivation of latent varicella zoster virus as herpes zoster is thought to result from waning of specific cell-mediated immunity, but little is known about its determinants in individuals with no underlying immunosuppression. We systematically reviewed studies of zoster epidemiology in adults and analysed data from a large morbidity study to identify factors that might be modulated to reduce the risk of zoster. Annual zoster incidence in population-based studies varied from 3.6-14.2/10(3) in the oldest individuals. Risk factors identified in analytical studies that could explain this variation included age, sex, ethnicity, genetic susceptibility, exogenous boosting of immunity from varicella contacts, underlying cell-mediated immune disorders, mechanical trauma, psychological stress, and immunotoxin exposure. Our review highlights the lack of information about risk factors for zoster. We suggest areas of research that could lead to interventions to limit the incidence of zoster. Such research might also help to identify risk factors for age-related immune decline.

Reactivation of varicella-zoster virus in facial palsy associated with infectious mononucleosis

Facial palsy with infectious mononucleosis, although well-recognized, is rare in children, and its pathogenesis is uncertain. To our knowledge there has been no previous report describing varicella-zoster virus reactivation as a cause of facial palsy associated with infectious mononucleosis. We report such a patient in whom serology showed reactivation of varicella-zoster virus.