Adult Intussusception Secondary to Varicella-Zoster Virus Infection

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV), also known as human herpesvirus 3, is a double-stranded linear DNA virus. It can manifest as chickenpox in childhood and, much less commonly, in adulthood, and the latent virus can reemerge as shingles. This case investigates an unusual presentation of intussusception, telescoping of the bowel, in the context of varicella infection. Reports on this phenomenon are very rare, and the effects of VZV on gastrointestinal pathology are primarily theoretical. This case underscores the importance of early diagnosis and targeted management and the need for further investigation into the association between VZV and intussusception.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2025-04-13
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.82204
Primary Topic
Herpesvirus Infections and Treatments
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Adult Intussusception Secondary to Varicella-Zoster Virus Infection

Donald F. Marshall, Micah Pippin, George H. Collins, Jennifer Madukaife
Cureus
Herpesvirus Infections and Treatments
article

Adult Intussusception Secondary to Varicella-Zoster Virus Infection

Donald F. Marshall, Micah Pippin, George H. Collins, Jennifer Madukaife
article en

Abstract

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV), also known as human herpesvirus 3, is a double-stranded linear DNA virus. It can manifest as chickenpox in childhood and, much less commonly, in adulthood, and the latent virus can reemerge as shingles. This case investigates an unusual presentation of intussusception, telescoping of the bowel, in the context of varicella infection. Reports on this phenomenon are very rare, and the effects of VZV on gastrointestinal pathology are primarily theoretical. This case underscores the importance of early diagnosis and targeted management and the need for further investigation into the association between VZV and intussusception.

CureusVol. 17(4)
Louisiana State University of Alexandria (US), Rapides Regional Medical Center (US), Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans (US)
Openalex Percentile: Top 89%
Herpesvirus Infections and Treatments
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.