Ramsay-Hunt-Syndrome Associated With Unilateral Parotitis Following Covid-19 Vaccine: A Case Report Publisher



Soltanipur M^{1, 2} ; Yarmohammadi H² ; Mahdavi Anari SF³ ; Karimi Nemch M^{4, 5} ; Taromiha A⁶ ; Siadat SD^{2, 7}
Source: European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology Published:2025

Abstract

Background: Varicella-zoster-virus (VZV) reactivation is a recognized complication following COVID-19 vaccination; however, Ramsay-hunt-syndrome (RHS) rarely has been reported. Case presentation: This case presents a 36-year-old immunocompetent man with features of RHS three weeks following the second dose of the BBIBP-CorV (Sinopharm) vaccine. Interestingly, he developed acute unilateral parotitis on his left side and the ultrasonography showed a 55*44*18 mm parotid gland with decreased parenchymal echogenicity. He was treated with valacyclovir, and after seven days he was discharged. Also, his parotitis was resolved by day 29 following the presentation of the first symptoms with no further complications. Conclusion: The possibility of VZV reactivation after COVID-19 vaccination is an important point and it should be noted that this reactivation might present in unusual clinical scenarios. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2025.