A case of Varicella zoster virus polyneuropathy: involvement of the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves mimicking a tumor.
A 36-year-old woman presented with glossopharyngeal and vagus nerve palsy, which proved to be herpes zoster based on the high titers of Varicella zoster virus antibody in her serum. Thin-section T1-weighted images with contrast media demonstrated swelling and distinct contrast enhancement of the glossopharyngeal and vagus complex, mimicking a tumor. Following MR imaging, the size of the nerve complex returned to normal; however, the contrast enhancement remained longer than the symptoms.
Department of Radiology, Ohshima Clinic, Yamagata, Japan. miadchi@beach.ocn.ne.jp
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Adachi
D000328:Adult; D003390:Cranial Nerve Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005930:Glossopharyngeal Nerve / Q000473:pathology; D020435:Glossopharyngeal Nerve Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006562:Herpes Zoster / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009443:Neuritis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014630:Vagus Nerve / Q000473:pathology; D020421:Vagus Nerve Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014826:Vocal Cord Paralysis / Q000175:diagnosis