Gastrointestinal complications of dermatomal herpes zoster successfully treated with famciclovir and lactulose

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

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.

Hiccups, eructation, and other uncommon prodromal manifestations of herpes zoster

Although the most frequent presentation of herpes zoster involves sensory neurons, motor and autonomic symptomatology is also known to occur in this disease. An unusual symptom of hiccups is described here. Other infrequent manifestations of this common illness, including the Ramsay Hunt syndrome, herpes zoster ophthalmicus, urinary and fecal retention, sexual dysfunction, and zoster sine herpete, are reviewed. Greater awareness of unusual presentations of herpes zoster is necessary for proper diagnosis and timely management of complications that may otherwise lead to disability and serious long-term sequelae.