A 78-year-old man presented with a noticeable abdominal bulge that developed over a week. One month prior, the patient had been diagnosed with herpes zoster. An examination revealed band-like scabs in the left Th11-12 dermatome and a left abdominal bulge. The bulge was soft, nontender, and more prominent when the patient was standing than in other positions (Picture 1). Abdominopelvic computed tomography revealed no intraperitoneal abnormalities. He was diagnosed with a postherpetic abdominal pseudohernia. The bulge resolved completely after three months (Picture 2). Abdominal pseudohernia is a rare complication of herpes zoster that causes motor neuropathy of the abdominal wall (1). Pseudohernias generally develop between 1 and 8 weeks (average of 3.5 weeks) after the onset of a herpetic rash, and they tend to recover spontaneously (2). The diagnosis is usually clinical, based on a recent history of an abdominal herpetic rash and a unilateral abdominal bulge on the affected side. If the history of herpes zoster and the site of the lesion are consistent, postherpetic abdominal pseudohernia should be suspected, and the patient should be carefully monitored for spontaneous remission.
Picture 1.
Picture 2.
Consent was obtained from the patient for the use of images for publication.
The authors state that they have no Conflict of Interest (COI).
References
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