Ramsay Hunt syndrome in a girl with acute lymphoblastic leukemia during maintenance therapy

J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2013 Jul;35(5):e224-5. doi: 10.1097/MPH.0b013e3182830d30.

Abstract

A 5-year-old girl with precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia developed peripheral-type right facial palsy and very faint erythema on her right pinna during maintenance therapy. Acyclovir was started for possible zoster infection. The following day, vesicles appeared and a diagnosis of Ramsay Hunt syndrome was made. Prednisolone was started on day 5 after onset. Her facial palsy recovered within 6 months. Ramsay Hunt syndrome is a rare cause of facial palsy in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and this is the first case report. Preemptive therapy with acyclovir before the development of vesicles should help the patient recover from facial palsy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acyclovir / therapeutic use
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Herpes Zoster Oticus / complications*
  • Herpes Zoster Oticus / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / complications*

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Acyclovir