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Ramsay Hunt syndrome associated with brain stem enhancement
S Sartoretti-Schefer1, S Kollias, A Valavanis
1Institute of Neuroradiology, University Hospital of Zürich, Switzerland.
AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology
|March 27, 1999
Summary
Ramsay Hunt syndrome involves inflammation of cranial nerves VII and VIII. MRI revealed nerve enhancement, suggesting primary neuritis as the cause.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Ramsay Hunt syndrome, a rare neurological disorder, presents with facial paralysis and a characteristic rash.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing facial nerve complications.
Observation:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) with contrast T1-weighted sequences were utilized.
- The study focused on imaging findings in a patient diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome.
Findings:
- Enhancing lesion identified in the pontine facial nerve nucleus.
- Abnormal enhancement observed in multiple facial nerve segments (intrameatal, labyrinthine, tympanic) and the geniculate ganglion.
- Concurrent enhancement of the vestibulocochlear nerve and parts of the membranous labyrinth noted.
Implications:
- Findings suggest primary neuritis affecting the seventh and eighth cranial nerves is the likely cause of observed MRI abnormalities.
- Highlights the utility of advanced MRI in visualizing inflammatory changes in Ramsay Hunt syndrome.
- Underscores the importance of considering neuritis of cranial nerves VII and VIII in the differential diagnosis.