[Generalised herpes simplex virus infection presenting as an "acute abdomen" (author's transl)]

A 23-year-old patient developed acute upper abdominal symptoms during in-patient treatment for vulvo-vaginitis. Clinical picture, scintigraphy and angiography suggested a space-occupying process of the liver. Laparotomy showed ascites and a congested liver covered with cell necroses. The patient died the day after the operation from circulatory failure. Virological investigations of liver and spleen cell suspensions as well as the ascites fluid led to the demonstration of herpes virus type 2. The complement binding reaction gave a titre of 1:20 to herpes simplex virus. Disseminated herpes simplex virus infection is rare and in this case spread from the genital area.