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VZV may lead to stomach issues in immunocompromised patients
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Varicella-zoster virus can present as stomach pains and bloating caused by gastric ulcers, according to results of a report published online.
Ki Lee Milligan, MD, department of pediatrics at St. Louis University, and colleagues reported on an 18-year-old patient with an underlying immunodeficiency who presented with vomiting and stomach pains due to gastric ulcers, which the researchers attributed to reactivation of VZV.
The researchers said the patient’s endoscopic diagnosis revealed multiple ulcers, followed by clinical presentations of rash and fever.
Clinicians started the patient on a regimen of high-dose IV acyclovir, and despite pancreatitis, hepatitis, hyponatremia and other complications, the patient improved after 3 weeks of treatment.
“This report demonstrates the importance of considering VZV as a cause for severe abdominal pain,” the researchers wrote.
Other research has suggested that varicella zoster can remain in the nerve cells of the gut, and then break free, leading to tissue damage and other more complicated stomach issues.
Disclosure: Milligan reports no relevant financial disclosures.
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