A case of varicella zoster virus polyneuropathy: Involvement of the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves mimicking a tumor

Abstract

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.