Herpes zoster is characterized by vesicular eruption and
rash of the
skin in the affected dermatomes. Sensory symptoms such as
pain and
hypesthesia are often accompanied in
patients with
herpes zoster. While motor
paralysis is uncommon, abdominal
paralysis can result in rare
complications such as
abdominal wall pseudohernia. In the present
report, we discuss the case of a 62 year-old man
who presented with
abdominal wall protrusion after
herpes zoster infection involving the right T10-T12 dermatomes.
Magnetic resonance imaging findings were not specifically correlated with
abdominal wall protrusion.
Needle electromyography revealed abnormal spontaneous activity in the right
paraspinal muscles at the T10-T12 levels,
rectus abdominis, and
external oblique muscles. Dermatomal
somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) exhibited prolonged latency in the right T10 and T12 dermatomes. These findings suggest that
herpes zoster infection can
affect both motor and sensory nerves.