Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2025
Surgical Techniques for Catheter Placement and 5/6 Nephrectomy in Murine Models of Peritoneal Dialysis
Published on: July 19, 2018
Rare case of postherpetic abdominal pseudohernia in a patient on peritoneal dialysis
Agnieszka Przygocka1, Giacomo Magnoni2, Matilde Picotti3
1Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Santa Maria della Scaletta Hospital, Imola, Italy.
Abstract:
Patients affected by chronic kidney disease, especially those requiring maintenance dialysis therapy, are particularly susceptible to infections, including reactivation of herpes zoster and are also at increased risk of herpes zoster complications. Postherpetic abdominal pseudohernia is a rare sequela of the infection, caused by motor neuropathy with muscle paresis, that manifests as an abdominal protrusion. In patients receiving peritoneal dialysis who may often present slight abdominal distension, the diagnosis of this complication may be challenging. We present a case of this rare neurological complication in a patient on peritoneal dialysis and discuss its etiology and management. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of postherpetic abdominal pseudohernia in a patient receiving kidney replacement therapy.
Insights
Patients on dialysis are prone to infections like herpes zoster. A rare complication, postherpetic abdominal pseudohernia, can occur, presenting diagnostic challenges, especially in peritoneal dialysis patients.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on maintenance dialysis face heightened risks of infections, including herpes zoster (shingles).
- Herpes zoster infections can lead to severe complications, particularly in immunocompromised individuals undergoing dialysis.
- Postherpetic abdominal pseudohernia, a rare consequence of herpes zoster-induced motor neuropathy, presents as an abdominal bulge due to muscle weakness.
