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African Health Sciences
Makerere University Medical School
ISSN: 1680-6905 EISSN: 1680-6905
Vol. 19, No. 3, 2019, pp. 2347-2350
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Bioline Code: hs19121
Full paper language: English
Document type: Case Report
Document available free of charge
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African Health Sciences, Vol. 19, No. 3, 2019, pp. 2347-2350
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Herpes zoster complicated by phrenic nerve palsy and respiratory compromise
Apiyo, Paska & Hajek, Jan
Abstract
Background: Herpes zoster can be associated with severe neurological complications.
Case presentation: In this article, we describe the case of a 54-year-old man with herpes zoster affecting his right upper chest and neck region complicated by phrenic nerve palsy and respiratory compromise. The diagnosis of herpes zoster was made based on the classic appearance of the rash and associated neuropathic-type pain. The diagnosis of phrenic nerve palsy was made by chest x-ray and ultrasound.
Conclusion: Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of phrenic nerve palsy occurring in patients who have herpes zoster affecting the region of C3,4,5 dermatomes. Although symptoms of unilateral diaphragmatic paresis are usually mild, in patients with obesity or comorbid lung disease, new onset phrenic nerve palsy can lead to significant respiratory compromise.
Keywords
Herpes zoster; neurologic complication; phrenic nerve palsy; case report.
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© Copyright 2019 - Apiyo et al.
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