A case of diaphragmatic paralysis complicated by herpes-zoster virus infection.

Authors :: Oike M
Naito T
Tsukada M
Kikuchi Y
Sakamoto N
Otsuki Y
Ohshima H
Yokokawa H
Isonuma H
Dambara T
Source :: Internal medicine (Tokyo, Japan) [Intern Med] 2012; Vol. 51 (10), pp. 1259-63. Date of Electronic Publication: 2012 May 15.
Publication Year :: 2012
Abstract: Diaphragmatic paralysis is commonly caused by surgical and traumatic injuries, malignant neoplasm, and neurodegenerative disorders. However, in rare instances, diaphragmatic paralysis due to herpes-zoster virus infection has been reported. Here, we describe an 85-year-old woman who developed left hemidiaphragmatic paralysis within 19 days of the appearance of a typical herpes-zoster rash involving the C4-5 dermatome on the left side. Clinical and radiological findings revealed no local causes of phrenic nerve lesion. The hemidiaphragmatic paralysis was thought to be caused by herpes-zoster virus infection.