[Otorhinolaryngological manifestations in monkeypox]
Berta Alegre1, Sara Jubés1, Natalia Arango1
1Servicio de Otorrinolaringología, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, España.
Acta Otorrinolaringologica Espanola
|February 23, 2023
Summary
Monkeypox virus can cause severe throat pain and oral lesions, affecting the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) area. Early diagnosis requires high suspicion and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for definitive confirmation.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Otorhinolaryngology
Background:
- The World Health Organization declared monkeypox a global health emergency.
- Limited data exists on the specific ear, nose, and throat (ENT) manifestations of monkeypox.
- Understanding these manifestations is crucial for timely diagnosis and patient care.
Observation:
- Eleven patients with suspected monkeypox presented with odynodysphagia or oral lesions.
- Predominant symptoms included fever (>38°C) and severe throat pain.
- Physical examination revealed ulcers and exudative lesions in the upper respiratory tract.
Findings:
- All patients had a history of unsafe sexual contact (90.9%).
- Lesion smears confirmed monkeypox virus positivity via polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
- Otorhinolaryngological symptoms are a significant presentation of monkeypox.
Implications:
- Monkeypox virus infection presents with diverse ENT manifestations.
- High epidemiological suspicion is crucial for early identification.
- PCR confirmation of monkeypox is essential for definitive diagnosis in ENT cases.
