A Case of Pharyngeal Dysphagia due to Pharyngolaryngeal Varicella Zoster Virus Infection With Multiple Cranial Neuropathies

Herpes zoster is caused by reactivation of latent varicella zoster virus (VZV). It may manifest as various clinical symptoms and signs depending on the cranial nerves (CNs) involved, especially in the head and neck region. Involvement of the CNs IX and X by VZV is rarely reported compared to that of CN V, VII, and VIII. Here we describe a case of VZV infection of the pharynx and larynx with multiple CN neuropathies (CN VII, IX, X). A 70-year-old male complained of odynophagia and dysphagia, which was confined to the right side, followed by ipsilateral facial weakness. Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing showed the residues at the valleculae and ipsilateral pyriform sinus, which indicated pharyngeal dysphagia. After treatment with an antiviral agent and glucocorticoid, the patient recovered fully.