Bilateral vocal cord abductor paralysis associated with primary herpes simplex infection: a case report

European Annals of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Diseases
V DupuchL Gilain

Abstract

To report a case of bilateral vocal cord abductor paralysis in the context of primary herpes simplex infection. A 63-year-old man was urgently admitted to hospital with laryngeal dyspnoea associated with dysphagia but without dysphonia. Physical examination demonstrated the vocal cords in a paramedian position with paralysis of abduction. The patient reported primary herpes simplex infection two weeks prior to this episode. HSV serology indicated recent infection and lumbar puncture demonstrated the presence of herpes simplex virus type 1 in the cerebrospinal fluid. Complete resolution of respiratory symptoms was observed after 21 days of treatment with intravenous aciclovir. Gerhardt syndrome comprises inspiratory dyspnoea without dysphonia. It used to be mainly due to syphilis, but is now mostly observed in the setting of neurodegenerative disease. The authors report a case of Gerhardt syndrome occurring after an episode of primary herpes simplex infection with the presence of herpes simplex virus in the CSF. Treatment by intravenous antiviral drugs allowed rapid resolution of the symptoms. The pathophysiology of Gerhardt syndrome remains unexplained, but the possible role of herpes simplex infection should be considered in c...Continue Reading

References

Jun 1, 1990·The American Journal of Medicine·R H Flowers, D S Kernodle
Feb 1, 1988·Italian Journal of Neurological Sciences·N PalesseM P Legge
May 1, 1995·American Journal of Otolaryngology·A Pou, R L Carrau
Jan 1, 1996·European Archives of Oto-rhino-laryngology : Official Journal of the European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS) : Affiliated with the German Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·E BachorT Hacki

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Citations

Oct 18, 2015·The American Journal of Medicine·Paul ZolkindNsangou Ghogomu
Aug 21, 2018·The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology·Neel K BhattRandal C Paniello
May 20, 2017·Journal of Applied Physiology·Reza BehkamJulie M Barkmeier-Kraemer
Mar 24, 2021·Curēus·Ayesha MalikAyesha Kanwal

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