An Autobiographical Report of Postherpetic Abdominal Pseudohernia in a Neurologist

Abstract

Herpes zoster is a dermatological disorder characterized by painful vesicles in the affected dermatome. While sensory symptoms are common, motor complications such as postherpetic pseudohernia, a rare condition involving abdominal muscle paresis, can occur. This report describes a neurologist in his mid-30s who developed herpes zoster followed by postherpetic abdominal pseudohernia, which resolved within three months. Pseudohernia associated with herpes zoster is a rare complication that may be misdiagnosed as an abdominal wall hernia. Stress and overwork may contribute to the onset of herpes zoster, highlighting the importance of work-life balance and stress management, especially in medical professionals and prioritizing self-care in medical professionals.

Keywords: abdominal pseudohernia; amenamevir; herpes zoster; neurologist; varicella-zoster virus.

Figure 1. Progression of herpes zoster and development of abdominal pseudohernia.

On day 2, a small rash was observed on the right lumbar region (A, arrow). On day 6, in addition to an increase in the rash, a right-sided abdominal swelling was noted, suspected to be an abdominal pseudohernia (B, C, arrows). By day 91, the rash and abdominal pseudohernia had resolved (D).