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
- Donald F. Marshall
- Micah Pippin
- George H. Collins
- Jennifer Madukaife
Institutions
- Louisiana State University of Alexandria (US)
- Rapides Regional Medical Center (US)
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans (US)
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