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Intestinal herpes simplex infection presenting with intestinal perforation.
J A Wasselle1, J H Sedgwick, P J Dawson
1Department of Surgery, University of South Florida, Tampa.
The American Journal of Gastroenterology
|October 1, 1992
Summary
A 77-year-old man developed an acute abdomen due to ulcerative jejunitis. Treatment with aciclovir and bowel resection resolved the necrotizing enteritis caused by herpes simplex virus infection.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Virology
- Immunocompromised patient care
Background:
- Long-term systemic steroid use can lead to immunocompromise.
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections can manifest in various organs.
Observation:
- A 77-year-old male on long-term steroids presented with acute abdomen.
- Laparotomy revealed ulcerative jejunitis and purulent peritonitis.
Findings:
- Pathology showed necrotizing enteritis with intranuclear inclusions characteristic of Herpesvirus.
- Immunocytochemistry confirmed HSV types I and II.
- Rising HSV antibody titers supported the diagnosis.
Implications:
- Intestinal herpes infection is a serious complication in immunocompromised patients.
- This case highlights the need to consider HSV enteritis in immunocompromised individuals with abdominal emergencies.
- Prompt diagnosis and antiviral treatment are crucial for favorable outcomes.