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Gül S, Ahmed AF, McGraw C, Nasany RA. Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Negative Varicella Zoster Virus Plexopathy in a Young Patient: A Case Report. Cureus 2023; 15:e39876. [PMID: 37404385 PMCID: PMC10315163 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.39876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Varicella zoster virus (VZV)-associated plexopathy mainly occurs in patients over 60 years old. Postherpetic neuralgia is a well-known complication of herpes zoster (HZ); however, segmental zoster paresis secondary to HZ was reported in 1-20% of cases in the literature. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings may be positive in up to 70% of the patients. We describe a 43-year-old male patient with a history of grade two left frontal oligodendroglioma, which was treated with two partial resections, radiation treatment and procarbazine/lomustine, who presented with left upper extremity pain and developed a blistering rash in a dermatomal pattern in the left proximal upper extremity two weeks after the initial symptoms. He was diagnosed with shingles and treated with steroids and acyclovir with minimal improvement. Six weeks after the initial symptoms, a physical exam revealed left deltoid, supraspinatus and infraspinatus weakness with normal muscle stretch reflexes and decreased sensation on the C5 dermatome. Electromyography (EMG) revealed absent left lateral antebrachial cutaneous sensory nerve action potentials (SNAP) amplitude and a small left radial SNAP amplitude compared to the right side. Evidence of ongoing denervation with reinnervation was seen in the left upper trunk-supplied muscles. MRI of the brachial plexus was negative for any abnormalities. The patient was diagnosed with VZV-associated plexopathy, which improved with pregabalin and physical therapy. Our patient was significantly younger than expected in the HZ group. MRI usually shows T2 hyperintensities and thickening of the nerve roots in patients with VZV-associated plexopathy. However, the presentation, onset of symptoms, characteristics of the rash, and clinical course were diagnostic of HZ, and the weakness pattern, supported by the EMG findings, was diagnostic of VZV-associated plexopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sedat Gül
- Neurology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, USA
| | - Adeenah F Ahmed
- Neurology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, USA
| | - Corey McGraw
- Neurology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, USA
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2
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Dalugama C, Jayasinghe R, Rathnayaka N, Medagama A. Zoster-associated limb paralysis mimicking acute stroke: a case report. J Med Case Rep 2021; 15:380. [PMID: 34325739 PMCID: PMC8323315 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-021-02971-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Varicella zoster virus is a Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) virus exclusively affecting humans. Reactivation of varicella zoster virus causes herpes zoster with vesicular eruptions in a restricted dermatomal distribution. Peripheral motor neuropathy is a very rare complication of varicella zoster virus. Case presentation A 57-year-old previously well Sri Lankan female presented with acute onset painful weakness of the left upper limb with a preceding history of a febrile illness. Subsequently she developed vesicular eruptions in the dermatomal distribution of cervical 5, 6, and 7. Electromyography was suggestive of acute denervation of cervical 5, 6, and 7 myotomes. Diagnosis of zoster-associated brachial plexopathy was made, and the patient was treated with acyclovir, steroids, and analgesics. She made a good recovery. Conclusion Brachial plexus neuritis due to varicella zoster infection should be considered in an acute monoparesis of a limb as it is a treatable and reversible condition
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Affiliation(s)
- Chamara Dalugama
- Department of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Kandy, Sri Lanka.
| | - Ruwanthi Jayasinghe
- Department of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Kandy, Sri Lanka.,University Medical Unit, Teaching Hospital, Peradeniya, Kandy, Sri Lanka.,University Medical Unit, Teaching Hospital, Peradeniya, Kandy, Sri Lanka.,Department of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Kandy, Sri Lanka
| | | | - Arjuna Medagama
- Department of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Kandy, Sri Lanka
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3
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Murthy NK, Amrami KK, Spinner RJ. Perineural spread to the brachial plexus: a focused review of proposed mechanisms and described pathologies. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2020; 162:3179-3187. [PMID: 32632655 DOI: 10.1007/s00701-020-04466-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perineural spread (PNS) is an emerging mechanism for progressive, non-traumatic brachial plexopathy. We aim to summarize the pathologies (tumor and infection) shown to have spread along or to the brachial plexus, and identify the proposed mechanisms of perineural spread. METHODS A focused review of the literature was performed pertaining to pathologies with identified perineural spread to the brachial plexus. RESULTS We summarized pathologies currently reported to have PNS in the brachial plexus and offer a structure for understanding and describing these pathologies with respect to their interaction with the peripheral nervous system. CONCLUSIONS Perineural spread is an underrepresented entity in the literature, especially regarding the brachial plexus. It can occur via a primary or secondary mechanism based on the anatomy, and understanding this mechanism helps to support biopsies of sacrificial nerve contributions, leading to more effective and timely treatment plans for patients.
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4
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Kim JY, Hwang JM, Park JS, Park S, Lee BJ, Park D. Ultrasound-guided peri-brachial plexus polydeoxyribonucleotide injection for a patient with postherpetic brachial plexopathy: A case report. Medicine (Baltimore) 2019; 98:e16694. [PMID: 31374058 PMCID: PMC6709125 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000016694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Although most complications of herpes zoster (HZ) are associated with the spread of varicella-zoster virus from the initially involved sensory ganglion, motor nerve impairment, such as limb weakness, is a rare but severe complication that is difficult to treat. PATIENT CONCERN A 73-year-old female presented with sudden left upper limb pain and weakness after HZ. DIAGNOSIS Brachial plexopathy following HZ (postherpetic brachial plexopathy). INTERVENTION Despite alleviation of the vesicles with antiviral treatments, the left upper limb weakness and neuropathic pain did not improve. After obtaining patient's consent, ultrasound-guided polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) injection was performed around the left brachial plexus. OUTCOMES The patient showed marked improvement in left arm pain from numerical rating scale (NRS) 9 to 4, 1 day after PDRN injection. Subsequently, the pain improved to NRS 3, and motor weakness improved to Medical Research Council grade 2 to 4. LESSONS PDRN can be considered a viable substitute for corticosteroid injection in treatment of motor weakness and neuropathic pain after HZ.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jong-Moon Hwang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Hospital
| | - Jin-Sung Park
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Chilgok hospital
| | - Sungwon Park
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Daegu Fatima Hospital, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Byung Joo Lee
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Daegu Fatima Hospital, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Donghwi Park
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Daegu Fatima Hospital, Daegu, South Korea
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5
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Lee S, Tsukasaki H, Yamauchi T. Visceral disseminated varicella zoster virus infection with brachial plexus neuritis detected by fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography and computed tomography. J Infect Chemother 2019; 25:556-558. [PMID: 30879980 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiac.2019.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Revised: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection sometimes result in visceral disseminated VZV infection (VD-VZV), which is a fulminant disease featured by abdominal pain and the absence of skin lesions, particularly occurs in the immunosuppressive patients. Brachial plexus neuritis (BPN) is another rare type of VZV infection usually appears without blisters. Few diagnostic images of both VD-VZV and BPN-VZV have been reported. A 25-year-old woman receiving allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for acute myeloid leukemia. Unexplained severe pain in the left upper extremity followed by severe stomachache, liver dysfunction and unconsciousness appeared on day 344 post-HSCT. Computed tomography (CT) showed left brachial plexus hypertrophy and edematous changes to the hepatoduodenal ligament, fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) showed increased uptake in both lesions. Intravenous acyclovir therapy was started and successfully resolved all symptoms. Several days later, blisters appeared all over the body and positive VZV DNA from blood using polymerase chain reaction test was obtained. FDG-PET and CT may offer supportive findings for detecting or diagnosing blister-less VZV infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin Lee
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, 23-3 Matsuokashimoaizuki, Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui 910-1193, Japan; Department of Hematology, Fukui Red Cross Hospital, 2-4-1 Tsukimi, Fukui City, Fukui, 918-8501, Japan.
| | - Hikaru Tsukasaki
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, 23-3 Matsuokashimoaizuki, Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui 910-1193, Japan; Department of Hematology, Fukui Red Cross Hospital, 2-4-1 Tsukimi, Fukui City, Fukui, 918-8501, Japan
| | - Takahiro Yamauchi
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, 23-3 Matsuokashimoaizuki, Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui 910-1193, Japan
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6
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Choi YR, Oh CH, Choi W. A Case of Herpes Zoster Presented with Lower Limb Paresis. Cureus 2018; 10:e2923. [PMID: 30197846 PMCID: PMC6126788 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.2923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Herpes zoster is a common viral disorder that typically shows characteristic painful skin lesion. Motor neuropathy rarely complicates herpes zoster infection, and it may be overlooked without suspicion. Here, we report a case of a herpes zoster patient who presented with sciatica and paresis, but without the typical skin lesion. The patient was initially misdiagnosed as having other disorders including trauma or spine lesion. Electrodiagnostic study and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) helped to make an accurate diagnosis and localize the motor nerve involvement of herpes zoster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Rak Choi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, CHA University, Cha Bundang Medical Center, Sungnam, KOR
| | - Chi Hoon Oh
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, CHA University, Cha Bundang Medical Center, Sungnam, KOR
| | - Wonchul Choi
- Department of Orthopaedics, CHA University, Cha Bundang Medical Center, Sungnam, KOR
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7
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Archer TM. Varicella zoster lumbosacral plexopathy: a rare cause of lower limb weakness. BMJ Case Rep 2018; 2018:bcr-2017-223947. [PMID: 29914899 PMCID: PMC6011443 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2017-223947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
This is a rare case of Varicella zoster virus (VZV) lumbosacral plexopathy in an 84-year-old women presenting with lower limb weakness and rash. Contrast-enhanced MRI showed enhancement of the left L3-L5 descending nerves and left lumbosacral plexus consistent with inflammatory/infectious aetiology. Cerebrospinal fluid PCR confirmed VZV DNA and cerebrospinal fluid serological testing was positive for VZV immunoglobulin (Ig)M and IgG antibodies. The patient was treated with intravenous acyclovir but this was complicated by the development of acute renal failure attributed to acyclovir-induced nephropathy, requiring dose adjustment. After a prolonged course of oral acyclovir and inpatient rehabilitation, the patient made a partial neurological and functional recovery.
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8
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Zubair AS, Hunt C, Watson J, Nelson A, Jones LK. Imaging Findings in Patients with Zoster-Associated Plexopathy. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2017; 38:1248-1251. [PMID: 28364009 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a5149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2015] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Herpes zoster is a reactivation of the latent varicella zoster virus. Among the complications of herpes zoster is zoster-associated limb paresis. The clinical and imaging features of patients with zoster-associated limb paresis due to plexopathies (zoster-associated plexopathy) have had limited description in the literature. The Mayo Clinic patient data base was searched by diagnostic code for patients diagnosed with herpes zoster between January 1, 1996, and September 30, 2012. Patients who met the inclusion criteria for zoster-associated limb paresis or herpes zoster with MRIs obtained were reviewed. Ten patients with zoster-associated plexopathy were identified. Imaging abnormalities were found in 70% of patients. Secondary denervation changes in shoulder girdle muscles and nerve T2 signal hyperintensity were the most frequent abnormalities (50%), followed by nerve enlargement (20%). Enhancement was not evident in any cases despite early imaging in 80% of the cohort. These results demonstrate the clinical utility of MR imaging in confirming the diagnosis of zoster-associated plexopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - C Hunt
- Department of Radiology (C.H.), Division of Neuroradiology
| | - J Watson
- Department of Neurology (J.W., A.N., L.K.J.).,Division of Pain Medicine (J.W.); Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - A Nelson
- Department of Neurology (J.W., A.N., L.K.J.)
| | - L K Jones
- Department of Neurology (J.W., A.N., L.K.J.)
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9
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Chen LK, Arai H, Chen LY, Chou MY, Djauzi S, Dong B, Kojima T, Kwon KT, Leong HN, Leung EMF, Liang CK, Liu X, Mathai D, Pan JY, Peng LN, Poblete ERS, Poi PJH, Reid S, Tantawichien T, Won CW. Looking back to move forward: a twenty-year audit of herpes zoster in Asia-Pacific. BMC Infect Dis 2017; 17:213. [PMID: 28298208 PMCID: PMC5353949 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-017-2198-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang-Kung Chen
- Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No. 201, Sec. 2, Shih-Pai Rd., Taipei, 11217, Taiwan. .,Aging and Health Research Center, National Yang Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Hidenori Arai
- National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, 7-340 Morioka-cho, Obu, Aichi, 474-8511, Japan
| | - Liang-Yu Chen
- Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No. 201, Sec. 2, Shih-Pai Rd., Taipei, 11217, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Yueh Chou
- Aging and Health Research Center, National Yang Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, No. 386 Ta-Chun 1st Rd., Kaohsiung, 81362, Taiwan
| | - Samsuridjal Djauzi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Salemba Raya No. 6, Jakarta, 10430, Indonesia
| | - Birong Dong
- The Center of Gerontology and Geriatrics, West China Medical School/West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guo Xue Xiang, Renmin Nan Lu, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Taro Kojima
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Jongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Ki Tae Kwon
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Daegu Fatima Hospital, 99 Ayang-ro, Dong-gu, Daegu, 710-600, Korea
| | - Hoe Nam Leong
- Rophi Clinic, 38 Irrawaddy Rd. #07-54/55, Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, Singapore, 329563, Singapore
| | - Edward M F Leung
- Geriatric Medicine Centre (Healthy Ageing), Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital, 2 Village Rd. Happy Valley, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
| | - Chih-Kuang Liang
- Aging and Health Research Center, National Yang Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, No. 386 Ta-Chun 1st Rd., Kaohsiung, 81362, Taiwan.,Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Xiaohong Liu
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Dilip Mathai
- Apollo Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Apollo Health City Campus, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, 500096, India
| | - Jiun Yit Pan
- National Skin Centre, 1 Mandalay Rd., Singapore, 308205, Singapore
| | - Li-Ning Peng
- Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No. 201, Sec. 2, Shih-Pai Rd., Taipei, 11217, Taiwan.,Aging and Health Research Center, National Yang Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Eduardo Rommel S Poblete
- Geriatric Center, St. Luke's Medical Center, 279 E. Rodriguez Sr. Ave., Quezon City, 1102, Philippines
| | - Philip J H Poi
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University Malaya Medical Centre, Lembah Pantai, 59100, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Stewart Reid
- Ropata Medical Centre, Lower Hutt, 5010, New Zealand
| | - Terapong Tantawichien
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Chang Won Won
- Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 1 Hoigi-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 130-720, Korea
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10
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Herpetic Brachial Plexopathy: Application of Brachial Plexus Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Ultrasound-Guided Corticosteroid Injection. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2016; 95:e67-71. [PMID: 26829085 DOI: 10.1097/phm.0000000000000445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles, is an infectious viral disease characterized by painful, unilateral skin blisters occurring in specific sensory dermatomes. Motor paresis is reported in 0.5% to 5% of patients. Although the mechanism of zoster paresis is still unclear, the virus can spread from the dorsal root ganglia to the anterior horn cell or anterior spinal nerve roots. It rarely involves the brachial plexus. We report a case of brachial plexitis following herpes zoster infection in which pathological lesions were diagnosed using brachial plexus magnetic resonance imaging and treated with ultrasound-guided perineural corticosteroid injection.
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11
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Gershon AA, Breuer J, Cohen JI, Cohrs RJ, Gershon MD, Gilden D, Grose C, Hambleton S, Kennedy PGE, Oxman MN, Seward JF, Yamanishi K. Varicella zoster virus infection. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2015; 1:15016. [PMID: 27188665 PMCID: PMC5381807 DOI: 10.1038/nrdp.2015.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 355] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Infection with varicella zoster virus (VZV) causes varicella (chickenpox), which can be severe in immunocompromised individuals, infants and adults. Primary infection is followed by latency in ganglionic neurons. During this period, no virus particles are produced and no obvious neuronal damage occurs. Reactivation of the virus leads to virus replication, which causes zoster (shingles) in tissues innervated by the involved neurons, inflammation and cell death - a process that can lead to persistent radicular pain (postherpetic neuralgia). The pathogenesis of postherpetic neuralgia is unknown and it is difficult to treat. Furthermore, other zoster complications can develop, including myelitis, cranial nerve palsies, meningitis, stroke (vasculopathy), retinitis, and gastroenterological infections such as ulcers, pancreatitis and hepatitis. VZV is the only human herpesvirus for which highly effective vaccines are available. After varicella or vaccination, both wild-type and vaccine-type VZV establish latency, and long-term immunity to varicella develops. However, immunity does not protect against reactivation. Thus, two vaccines are used: one to prevent varicella and one to prevent zoster. In this Primer we discuss the pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of VZV infections, with an emphasis on the molecular events that regulate these diseases. For an illustrated summary of this Primer, visit: http://go.nature.com/14xVI1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne A Gershon
- Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, 630 West 168th Street, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | - Judith Breuer
- Department of Infection and Immunity, University College London, UK
| | - Jeffrey I Cohen
- Medical Virology Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Randall J Cohrs
- Departments of Neurology and Microbiology and Immunology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Michael D Gershon
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA
| | - Don Gilden
- Departments of Neurology and Microbiology and Immunology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Charles Grose
- Division of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Children's Hospital, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Sophie Hambleton
- Primary Immunodeficiency Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University Medical School, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Peter G E Kennedy
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neurological Sciences, Southern General Hospital, Glasgow University, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Michael N Oxman
- Infectious Diseases Section, Medicine Service, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Jane F Seward
- Division of Viral Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Koichi Yamanishi
- Research Foundation for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
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12
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Chebbi W, Kessomtini W, Kacem HH, Laajili H, Said W. [Parsonage-Turner syndrome following varicella-zoster virus infection]. Presse Med 2015; 44:569-71. [PMID: 25704804 DOI: 10.1016/j.lpm.2014.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2014] [Revised: 10/06/2014] [Accepted: 10/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Wafa Chebbi
- CHU Taher Sfar Mahdia, service de médecine interne, 5100 Mahdia, Tunisie.
| | - Wassia Kessomtini
- CHU Taher Sfar Mahdia, service de médecine physique, 5100 Mahdia, Tunisie
| | - Hanène Haj Kacem
- CHU Taher Sfar Mahdia, service de médecine interne, 5100 Mahdia, Tunisie
| | - Hanène Laajili
- CHU Taher Sfar Mahdia, service de médecine physique, 5100 Mahdia, Tunisie
| | - Wafa Said
- CHU Taher Sfar Mahdia, service de médecine physique, 5100 Mahdia, Tunisie
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13
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Affiliation(s)
- Don Gilden
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - Maria A Nagel
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Randall J Cohrs
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
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14
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Zuberbuhler P, León Cejas LV, Binaghi D, Reisin RC. Acute brachial plexus neuropathy with involvement of cranial nerves IX, X, XI and XII. J Neurol Sci 2013; 334:169-71. [PMID: 23953851 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2013.07.2515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2013] [Revised: 06/25/2013] [Accepted: 07/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Acute brachial plexus neuropathy is characterized by acute onset of shoulder girdle and arm pain, followed by weakness of the shoulder and arm muscles. It affects primarily nerves of the upper trunk of the brachial plexus and the long thoracic nerve. Cranial nerve involvement is an infrequent association and implies a diagnostic challenge. We report a unique case of acute brachial plexus neuropathy with involvement of the cranial nerves IX, X, XI and XII. CASE REPORT Fifty six year-old woman who developed acute dysphonia, dysphagia and left shoulder pain, followed, six days later, by left arm weakness. Needle examination showed only fibrillation potentials and positive sharp waves in the left deltoid muscle. MRI of the brachial plexus shows enlargement of the trunks, cords and terminal branches, with mild gadolinium enhancement. DISCUSSION This case illustrates the unique presentation of neuralgic amyotrophy with involvement of nerves outside the brachial plexus, and the importance of MRI for diagnosis, in the absence of electrophysiologic involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paz Zuberbuhler
- Neurology Department, Hospital Álvarez, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is an exclusively human neurotropic alphaherpesvirus. Primary infection causes varicella (chickenpox), after which virus becomes latent in ganglionic neurons along the entire neuraxis. With advancing age or immunosuppression, cell-mediated immunity to VZV declines and virus reactivates to cause zoster (shingles), which can occur anywhere on the body. Skin lesions resolve within 1-2 weeks, while complete cessation of pain usually takes 4-6 weeks. Zoster can be followed by chronic pain (postherpetic neuralgia), cranial nerve palsies, zoster paresis, meningoencephalitis, cerebellitis, myelopathy, multiple ocular disorders and vasculopathy that can mimic giant cell arteritis. All of the neurological and ocular disorders listed above may also develop without rash. Diagnosis of VZV-induced neurological disease may require examination of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), serum and/ or ocular fluids. In the absence of rash in a patient with neurological disease potentially due to VZV, CSF should be examined for VZV DNA by PCR and for anti-VZV IgG and IgM. Detection of VZV IgG antibody in CSF is superior to detection of VZV DNA in CSF to diagnose vasculopathy, recurrent myelopathy, and brainstem encephalitis. Oral antiviral drugs speed healing of rash and shorten acute pain. Immunocompromised patients require intravenous acyclovir. First-line treatments for post-herpetic neuralgia include tricyclic antidepressants, gabapentin, pregabalin, and topical lidocaine patches. VZV vasculopathy, meningoencephalitis, and myelitis are all treated with intravenous acyclovir.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A. Nagel
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Don Gilden
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
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Tsai J, Bert RJ, Gilden D. Zoster paresis: asymptomatic MRI lesions far beyond the site of rash and focal weakness. J Neurol Sci 2013; 330:119-20. [PMID: 23628467 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2013.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2013] [Revised: 03/07/2013] [Accepted: 04/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
We describe a patient with zoster paresis and an MRI that revealed extensive spinal cord lesions from the upper cervical to the lower thoracic spinal cord. Importantly, the patient reported considerable spontaneous improvement in strength 2-3 weeks after zoster. This report reveals a previously undescribed remarkable preponderance of MRI lesions far beyond the site of zoster rash and focal lower motor neuron weakness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Tsai
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
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Diagnostic accuracy of MRI in adults with suspect brachial plexus lesions: a multicentre retrospective study with surgical findings and clinical follow-up as reference standard. Eur J Radiol 2011; 81:2666-72. [PMID: 22071340 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2011.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2011] [Revised: 10/12/2011] [Accepted: 10/14/2011] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate brachial plexus MRI accuracy with surgical findings and clinical follow-up as reference standard in a large multicentre study. MATERIALS AND METHODS The research was approved by the Institutional Review Boards, and all patients provided their written informed consent. A multicentre retrospective trial that included three centres was performed between March 2006 and April 2011. A total of 157 patients (men/women: 81/76; age range, 18-84 years) were evaluated: surgical findings and clinical follow-up of at least 12 months were used as the reference standard. MR imaging was performed with different equipment at 1.5 T and 3.0 T. The patient group was divided in five subgroups: mass lesion, traumatic injury, entrapment syndromes, post-treatment evaluation, and other. Sensitivity, specificity with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), positive predictive value (PPV), pre-test-probability (the prevalence), negative predictive value (NPV), pre- and post-test odds (OR), likelihood ratio for positive results (LH+), likelihood ratio for negative results (LH-), accuracy and post-test probability (post-P) were reported on a per-patient basis. RESULTS The overall sensitivity and specificity with 95% CIs were: 0.810/0.914; (0.697-0.904). Overall PPV, pre-test probability, NPV, LH+, LH-, and accuracy: 0.823, 0.331, 0.905, 9.432, 0.210, 0.878. CONCLUSIONS The overall diagnostic accuracy of brachial plexus MRI calculated on a per-patient base is relatively high. The specificity of brachial plexus MRI in patients suspected of having a space-occupying mass is very high. The sensitivity is also high, but there are false-positive interpretations as well.
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Heo DH, Jun AY, Cho YJ. Magnetic resonance neurography findings in herpetic brachial plexopathy. J Neurol 2010; 258:137-9. [PMID: 20661582 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-010-5673-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2010] [Revised: 07/04/2010] [Accepted: 07/12/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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