Rectal ulcer in a patient with VZV sacral meningoradiculitis (Elsberg syndrome)

Intern Med. 2012;51(6):651-4. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.51.6514. Epub 2012 Mar 15.

Abstract

This report describes the case of a 55-year-old woman with varicella-zoster virus (VZV) sacral meningoradiculitis (Elsberg syndrome) who presented with herpes zoster in the left S2 dermatome area, urinary retention, and constipation. Lumbar magnetic resonance imaging showed the left sacral nerve root swelling with enhancement. Thereafter, she suddenly showed massive hematochezia and hemorrhagic shock because of a rectal ulcer. To elucidate the relation between Elsberg syndrome and rectal ulcer, accumulation of similar cases is necessary. To avoid severe complications, attention must be devoted to the possibility of rectal bleeding in the early stage of Elsberg syndrome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Achilles Tendon
  • Blood Transfusion
  • Colonoscopy
  • Constipation / etiology
  • Female
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / etiology*
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / therapy
  • Herpes Zoster / complications*
  • Humans
  • Meningitis / complications*
  • Middle Aged
  • Polyradiculopathy / etiology*
  • Rectal Diseases / etiology*
  • Reflex, Abnormal
  • Reflex, Stretch
  • Sacrococcygeal Region
  • Skin Ulcer / etiology*
  • Spinal Nerve Roots / physiopathology*
  • Spinal Nerve Roots / virology
  • Surgical Instruments
  • Urinary Retention / etiology