Intestinal pseudo-obstruction caused by herpes zoster:Case report and pathophysiology

摘要

Herpes zoster(HZ)infection occurs in approximately 10%to 30%of individuals.Visceral neuropathies secondary to HZ can cause cystitis and urinary retention.But colonic pseudo-obstruction can also occur.Peripheral neuropathy may reveal segmental motor paresis of either upper or lower limbs,the abdominal muscles or the diaphragm.We report the case of a 62-year-old male patient who presented with abdominal distention and cutaneous vesicular eruption on the left side of the abdominal wall.Plain X-rays and computed tomography scan showed distended small bowel.A diagnosis of intestinal pseudo-obstruction was made secondary to segmental paresis of the small intestine and visceral neuropathy.Conservative management was successful and the patient was discharged uneventfully.Intestinal pseudo-obstruction ought to be considered when dealing with non-obstructive(adynamic)conditions of the digestive tract associated with HZ infection;since early recognition may help to avoid unnecessary surgery.