Anorectal Manifestations of Treatment-Refractory Monkeypox Requiring Surgical Intervention

Am Surg. 2023 Dec;89(12):6370-6373. doi: 10.1177/00031348231177931. Epub 2023 May 15.

Abstract

Anorectal manifestations of monkeypox are increasingly being recognized as a potentially serious complication. We present the case of an HIV-positive, tecovirimat-treated male presenting with monkeypox virus-associated severe proctitis with associated perianal pathology. Despite the use of antiviral agents and intravenous vaccinia immune globulin, the monkeypox-associated perianal lesions evolved into abscesses, requiring incision and drainage. This report highlights a multidisciplinary approach involving surgery for anorectal complications of monkeypox virus-associated proctitis and perianal lesions. Surgery may offer immediate relief and reduce the potential long-term morbidity associated with severe monkeypox virus-associated rectal and perianal manifestations refractory to available medical countermeasures.

Keywords: human immunodeficiency virus (HIV); monkeypox; perianal abscess; proctitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anus Diseases* / drug therapy
  • Anus Diseases* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mpox, Monkeypox*
  • Proctitis* / complications
  • Proctitis* / drug therapy
  • Proctitis* / surgery
  • Rectal Diseases* / complications
  • Rectal Diseases* / surgery
  • Rectum / surgery