A Review of the Literature and a New Reportable Association: Pharyngeal-Cervical-Brachial Variant in Patient with Influenza B

Abstract

Pharyngeal-Cervical-Brachial variant is a rare diagnosis. Several clinical features are considered to be diagnostic, although ongoing work related to laboratory work-up and conduction studies are being evaluated as possible adjuncts to support in the diagnosis of this demyelinating disorder. It has been reportedly associated with many infections, bacterial or viral, but there has never been a reported association of this neurologic disorder with an Influenza B infection. We present the first case of Pharyngeal-Cervical-Brachial variant in an adult male who tested positive for Influenza B virus. We also provided a review of the literature, and highlighted the key features in the diagnosis of this interesting condition. Given this new association, a high index of suspicion for the diagnosis of Pharyngeal-Cervical-Brachial variant is indicated for patients presenting with an Influenza B infection.