Herpes zoster infection as a differential diagnosis of acute pulpitis

J Endod. 1998 Feb;24(2):143-4. doi: 10.1016/S0099-2399(98)80095-2.

Abstract

Many diseases can cause orofacial pain, and the diagnosis must be established before final treatment. This case report presents a patient with orofacial pain that was diagnosed as an acute pulpitis. However, there was no evidence of this problem on examination. After 4 days, the patient showed multiples vesicles on the face, and a herpes zoster viral infection was diagnosed. The patient was treated with acyclovir and, after 2 yr, she still complains of facial sensitivity.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Facial Pain / etiology*
  • Female
  • Herpes Zoster / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Pulpitis / diagnosis
  • Toothache / etiology*
  • Trigeminal Nerve / virology*