Ramsay Hunt Syndrome in a Patient with Ulcerative Colitis Treated with Infliximab

Ramsay Hunt syndrome is a rare complication of herpes zoster that results from reactivation of varicella-zoster virus in the geniculate ganglion of the VII cranial nerve. Immunosuppression can lead to reactivation of latent varicella-zoster virus, resulting in herpes zoster. Here, we present a case of Ramsay Hunt syndrome in a patient with ulcerative colitis under treatment with infliximab. LEARNING POINTS: Ramsay Hunt syndrome is a rare form of herpes zoster and characterized by the presence of otalgia, facial palsy, vertigo and vesicular rash in the external ear or on the oropharynx. Treatment with TNF inhibitors increases the risk of its development. Although not generally recommended, vaccination may reduce the risk of herpes zoster recurrence during TNF inhibitor therapy.