title: Unilateral associated laryngeal paralysis due to varicella-zoster virus: virus antibody testing and videofluoroscopic findings.
abstract: The relationship between varicella-zoster virus and idiopathic associated laryngeal paralysis was examined in five patients, using complement fixation or enzyme immunoassay testing. In all cases, significant changes in serum levels of varicella-zoster virus antibody were observed. Videofluoroscopy was useful in assessing the severity of the dysphagia and in making an accurate diagnosis; both laryngeal elevation and weakness of pharyngeal wall contraction were also observed. In two cases in which antiviral therapy was delayed, the outcome was poor, with increased levels of varicella-zoster virus immunoglobulin M found on enzyme immunoassay. The outcome of the condition may thus depend both on the speed of antiviral therapy commencement following onset of symptoms, and on the levels of varicella-zoster virus immunoglobulin M antibody (measured by enzyme immunoassay). Our study suggests that varicella-zoster virus should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with idiopathic associated laryngeal paralysis, and rapid antiviral therapy should be initiated when necessary.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Kurume University School of Medicine, Fukuoka, Japan. yonekawa@med.kurume-u.ac.jp
authors.forename: S-I
authors.initials: SI
authors.lastname: Chitose
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Umeno
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hamakawa
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Nakashima
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Shoji
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000097:blood; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D020435:Glossopharyngeal Nerve Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000821:virology*; D006562:Herpes Zoster / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D014645:Herpesvirus 3, Human; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010779:Photofluorography / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014826:Vocal Cord Paralysis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000821:virology*
chemical_list: D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D000998:Antiviral Agents