Otorhinolaryngological manifestations in monkeypox.
Berta Alegre1, Sara Jubés1, Natalia Arango1
1Servicio de Otorrinolaringología, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain.
Acta Otorrinolaringologica Espanola
|May 6, 2023
Summary
Monkeypox virus can cause severe throat pain and oral lesions. Early diagnosis requires high suspicion and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing for definitive confirmation in otorhinolaryngology (ENT) cases.
Area of Science:
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Limited data exist on otorhinolaryngological (ENT) manifestations of monkeypox during the WHO health emergency.
- This study aims to detail the clinical features of ENT involvement in monkeypox patients.
Observation:
- Eleven patients with odynodysphagia or oral lesions and suggestive risk factors were analyzed.
- Predominant symptoms included fever >38°C and severe throat pain.
- Physical examination revealed ulcers and exudative lesions in the upper respiratory tract.
Findings:
- 90.9% of patients reported previous unsafe sexual contact.
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing confirmed monkeypox virus in all analyzed lesion smears.
- Clinical presentations varied, affecting the oral cavity and upper respiratory tract.
Implications:
- Monkeypox virus infection presents diverse manifestations within the ENT region.
- High epidemiological suspicion is crucial for early identification of potential cases.
- PCR confirmation is essential for a definitive diagnosis of monkeypox in ENT presentations.
