The Effect of a Sympathectomy Using Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation in Patients with Acute Herpes Zoster: A case report.
10.4097/kjae.2001.41.2.260
- Author:
Kyung Joon LIM
1
;
Sang Yu WEI
Author Information
1. Department of Anesthesiology, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, Korea.
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
ganglion blockade;
radiofrequency thermocoagulation
- MeSH:
Electrocoagulation*;
Ganglia, Spinal;
Ganglia, Sympathetic;
Herpes Zoster*;
Herpesvirus 3, Human;
Humans;
Neuralgia, Postherpetic;
Skin;
Sympathectomy*
- From:Korean Journal of Anesthesiology
2001;41(2):260-264
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Herpes zoster represents the reactivation of latent varicella-zoster virus located in the dorsal root ganglion. The virus multiplies and migrates to the skin surface producing a characteristic, usually painful, pustular eruption. Severe pain during the acute phase of herpes zoster has been associated with a higher risk of developing postherpetic neuralgia. Sympathetic ganglion blocks have been used for patients in the acute phase of herpes zoster to alleviate pain and prevent postherpetic neuralgia. We experienced 2 cases of patients with acute herpes zoster in which one of them presented with pain localized to the dermatomal distribution of L2-3, the other T3. The authors report the results achieved in treatment of the herpes zoster patients, using radiofrequency thermocoagulation of the sympathetic ganglion.