[Abdominal distension due to herpes zoster]

A case is reported in which an abdominal protrusion appeared in relation with a zosteric eruption at 11th dorsal dermatome. The motor deficit in zoster is unusual (2-3% in the reported series) and generally recognized when the extremities are affected. The frequency with which the abdominal muscles are involved is estimated to be around 0.17%, according to a clinical series. The aim of this report is to draw attention to the abdominal wall paresis that can result when zoster involves the caudal dorsal dermatomyotomes. This in turn, leads to abdominal distension which needs to be differentiated from other causes.