Bilateral asymmetrical herpes-zoster with Ramsay hunt syndrome in an immunocompetent adult

Abstract

Abstract Background Bilateral herpes zoster (BHZ) is an atypical presentation of herpes zoster (HZ), with few cases reported before. Ramsay Hunt syndrome (RHS) is an uncommon complication of VZV infection. Cases of BHZ with RHS in immunocompetent adults have been reported rarely. Case presentation We described an immunocompetent adult who suffered from left-sided thoracic herpes zoster and contralateral RHS simultaneously, and summarizes the characteristics of BHZ. Conclusions Cases of BHZ with RHS in immunocompetent adults have not been reported previously. Antivirus - glucocorticoid combination therapy showed a good effect in this case.

Keywords

• Antiviral therapy
• Bilateral herpes zoster (BHZ)
• Glucocorticoid
• Ramsay hunt syndrome (RHS)
• Varicella-zoster virus (VZV)