Síndrome de Ramsay Hunt: revisión de la literatura y hallazgos por resonancia magnética.

The Ramsay Hunt syndrome (RHS) is caused by an acute form of herpes zoster. It is a serious and rare complication, due to a reactivation of varicella zoster virus. This syndrome is produced by a latent infection of the central nervous system, which is clinically presented as a peripheral facial paralysis with vesicular eruption on the ear or in the mouth. Diagnosis of RHS is made clinically and laboratory detection of the virus is mandatory. Earlier treatment improves the prognosis and decreases complications. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with contrast frequently demonstrates facial nerve enhancement in RHS. Nonetheless, it could be also associated to an enhancement of the eighth pair, cochlea, vestibule and segments of the semi-circular canal. MRI is useful because it associates clinical manifestations with nerve affections. In addition, it corroborates multiple neural involvement, which helps to identify the extension of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]