[A case of Vernet's syndrome due to varicella-zoster virus infection].

We report a 73-year-old man who suffered from an acute onset of dysphagia, cough, hoarseness and left facial and occipital pain. On the 44 days of illness, he was admitted to our clinic. A neurological examination revealed left IX, X and XI cranial nerve palsy. The diagnosis of Vernet's syndrome due to varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection was made, based on the high titers of VZV antibody in serum. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a unique nodular lesion with gadolinium enhancement at the medial side of the left jugular foramen. Clinical symptoms improved with intravenous high dose pulse methylprednisolone therapy. The clinical course suggests that the inflammation extended from the left X cranial nerve ganglion.