Table of Contents    
Case Report
 
Acute appendicular perforation: A rare complication of chickenpox in an immunocompetent adult
Dharmendra Kanwaria1, Porwal Y. C.2, Manish Kumar3
1MD, Senior Resident, Department of Medicine, VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi 110029, India.
2MD, Senior Specialist and Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi 110029, India.
3MBBS, PG Student, Department of Medicine, VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi 110029, India.

Article ID: 100011S05DK2016
doi:10.5348/S05-2016-11-CR-1

Address correspondence to:
Dharmendra Kanwaria
Near Ambedkar Statue
Shivaji Colony, Niwai, Tonk
Rajasthan
India, 304021

Access full text article on other devices

  Access PDF of article on other devices

[HTML Abstract]   [PDF Full Text] [Print This Article]
[Similar article in Pumed] [Similar article in Google Scholar]

How to cite this article
Kanwaria D, Porwal YC, Kumar M. Acute appendicular perforation: A rare complication of chickenpox in an immunocompetent adult. Edorium J Surg2016;3:1–5.


Abstract
Introduction: Chickenpox is a benign self-limiting disease of childhood, rarely occurs in adult. The common complications of varicella zoster infection in adults are pneumonia, diarrhea, dehydration, pharyngitis, otitis media and cutaneous secondary infection, but it may be complicated rarely with acute appendicitis in otherwise healthy patient.
Case Report: We present a case of primary varicella zoster in adult who presented as localized peritonitis following acute appendicular perforation responded well with conservative management.
Conclusion: Appendicular perforation may be a rare but severe complication of primary varicella infection in immunocompetent adult.

Keywords: Appendicular perforation, Chicken pox, Peritonitis, Varicella zoster infection


Introduction

Acute appendicitis, an acute inflammation of appendix, is common in the age group of 6–18 years [1] but appendicular perforation, a complication of acute appendicitis is commonly seen in between age 30–50 years [2]. Although, varicella zoster (VZ) infection is mainly a childhood disease, it is not uncommon in adult population in tropical countries [3].

Varicella zoster is a highly infectious disease that spread from person to person by direct contact or by air from an infected person's coughing or sneezing. Typically, the disease is more severe in adult. Most people become infected before adulthood but 10% of young adults remain susceptible. The most serious complication of VZ infection is pneumonia [4]. Other common complications in both adults and children are diarrhea, pharyngitis, skin/soft tissue infection and otitis media. We report a case of an adult with VZ infection and appendicular perforation.


Case Report

A 38-year-old male was admitted through emergency department with progressive distension of abdomen along with dull aching pain and breathlessness over last seven days, preceded by fever for five days, viral prodrome (nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhea) and pleomorphic vesicular eruptions all over body (predominantly on face, neck, trunk). There was no previous history of chickenpox in the childhood or any chronic medical illness. But he had history of contact with his son having chickenpox two weeks back. On examination, he was conscious, dyspneic (respiratory rate 27 per minute) and febrile with pulse rate of 120/minute, and blood pressure 130/70 mmHg. Multiple small hyperpigmented crusted lesions of different stages were found all over the body (Figure 1). There was mild to moderate distension of abdomen with localized guarding and tenderness over right hypochondrium and lumber region. Bowel sounds were reduced. No lump was palpable in abdomen. All routine lab investigations were in normal limit including, CBC (hemoglobin 14 g/dl, TLC 6900/mm3, DLC P68%,L25.3%,M3.8%,E2.9%, platelet count 148×103), KFT (Blood urea 37 mg/dl, S. creatinine 1.1 mg/dl), viral markers (HIV, HBsAg, antiHCV non-reactive), Coagulation profile (PT/INR 1.12, APTT 33.2 sec), serum amylase, lipase. LFT were normal except mildly raised total bilirubin 2.3 mg/dl (conjugated 1.4 mg/dl), X-ray chest on admission showed mild pleural effusion on left side with infiltrations at lower zone, X-ray abdomen had ground glass opacity with no gas under diaphragm (Figure 2A). Even sequential X-rays did not show gas under diaphragm (Figure 2B).

Ultrasonography of abdomen showed moderate ascites with septae formation and mild hepatomegaly. Ascitic fluid analysis suggestive of inflammatory exudative picture (SAAG ratio = 0.2) ( hazy appearance, absent coagulum, Total protein-3.9 g/dl, (albumin 2.5 g/dl), glucose 127 mg/dl, adenosine deaminase was 43 u/L(>60 u/L significantly positive in tuberculosis), cytology showed many RBC/HPF, WBC 10900/mm3 with 82% polymorphs, 16% mononuclear cells, no organism was found on Gram stain and AFB stain, no malignant cells were present). His serology done by ELISA for VZV was positive. After surgical review we managed the patient conservatively with broad-spectrum antibiotics. After 2–3 days patient clinically improved (decreased tachycardia with less fever spike and pain abdomen). Bowel sounds improved with passage of stool and flatus. Repeated ultrasonography of the abdomen, done on day-6, showed loculated ascites, analysis of which showed WBC 1800/mm3 (polymorphs 56%, mononuclear cells 44%) and few RBCs/HPF. Real time PCR for mycobacterium tuberculosis was negative along with negative Mantoux test (Figure 3). Computed tomography scan abdomen showed features of appendicular perforation with surrounding peritonitis (Figure 4). Patient was continued on broad spectrum antibiotics (piperacillin-tazobactam and clindamycin). All skin lesions were on healing process with crusting. Tzanck smear could not be done as the lesions already started crusting. Patient improved clinically and was discharged two weeks after surgical review with repeat ultrasonography abdomen (revealed normal finding except minimal inter bowel fluid) and routine lab test which was normal.


Cursor on image to zoom/Click text to open image
Figure 1: Patient with crusted lesions.



Cursor on image to zoom/Click text to open image
Figure 2: (A) Left side mild pleural effusion with infiltrations of lower zone with no gas under diaphragm, (B) Sequential X-ray showing no gas under diaphragm, left lower zone infiltration with mild plural effusion.



Cursor on image to zoom/Click text to open image
Figure 3: Negative Mantoux test.



Cursor on image to zoom/Click text to open image
Figure 4: Signs indicative of perforation. (A) Arrow showing collection in Morrison's pouch, (B) Big arrow showing inflamed mesentery and surrounding fats. Star showing inter bowel fluid. Small red arrow shows extraluminal air pockets, (C) Big arrow shows little part of appendix with enhancing wall. Small red arrow showing extraluminal air pocket.



Discussion

Acute appendicitis is usually precipitated by obstruction of the appendicular lumen.

The most common cause of luminal obstruction is fecoliths and lymphoid follicular hyperplasia. Calcium salt and fecal debris deposited around a nidus of inspissated fecal material located within the appendix and form fecolith. Other less common cause of obstruction of the appendicular lumen are parasites or foreign material, tuberculosis and tumor [5]. A variety of inflammatory and infectious disorders are associated with lymphoid hyperplasia [6]. Immunocompetent adult with varicella, as compared to children, had a 2.0 times (95% CI, 1.8–2.3) higher risk of developing complications such as dehydration and pneumonia; and a 6.2 times (95% CI, 4.0–9.7) higher risk of being hospitalized [7]. Varicella may present as gastrointestinal complications such as abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding, disseminated gastrointestinal infection and acute pancreatitis [8] [9] [10]. Acute appendicitis has been reported in the setting of CMV reactivation or acute CMV infection in adult patients with AIDS [11]. There are very few case reports of 'acute appendicitis as complication of chickenpox' in literature and they are mostly in children [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18]. It can be a rare coincidental finding. Since acute appendicitis is a known complication of chickenpox, the possibility of VZ infection causing appendicular perforation seemed to be high. Since the patient improved on conservative management so the specimen could not be sent for the PCR study.

Nicholas et al. found Varicella pneumonia as the only cause of mortality and the leading cause of morbidity and also found one case each of perforated appendicitis, suspected appendicitis and acute pancreatitis [12]. Zenon et al. reported a case of a 11-year-old boy with varicella appendicitis treated surgically and proved by positive result of VZV DNA PCR on the appendix tissue specimen [13]. Koscak reported a case of a nine-year-old girl with an acute perforated appendicitis, as a complication of varicella [14]. Camens reported a case of chickenpox encephalitis complicated by acute appendicitis and peritonitis [15]. Harvanek et al. reported a group of four children with chickenpox, acute perforated appendicitis and peritonitis [16]. Beyzaozcinar et al. reported a case of an 18-year-old immunocompetent adult with acute varicellazoster infection and appendicitis treated medically [17]. Boris et al. reported three cases of acute appendicitis with varicella infection diagnosed clinically in which two case confirmed by positive serology for VZV [18]. To the best of our knowledge we are presenting the first rare case of appendicular perforation in immunocompetent adult as a complication of chickenpox.


Conclusion

Appendicular perforation may be a rare but severe complication of primary varicella infection in immunocompetent adult. The exact mechanisms causing appendicitis and perforation with activation of varicella zoster virus (VZV) and role of VZV in pathogenesis of appendicitis and appendicular perforation has to be investigated further.


Acknowledgements

We are thankful to department of radiology and microbiology for their support.


References
  1. Prystowsky JB, Pugh CM, Nagle AP. Current problems in surgery. Appendicitis. Curr Probl Surg 2005 Oct;42(10):688–742.   [Pubmed]    Back to citation no. 1
  2. Malla BR, Shrestha RKM. Appendicular perforation. J Institute of Med 2011;33(1):14.    Back to citation no. 2
  3. Seward J, Galil K, Wharton M. Epidemiology of varicella. In: Arvin AM, Gershon AA eds. Varicella-Zoster Virus: Virology and Clinical Management. 1ed. UK: Cambridge University Press; 2000. p. 187–204.    Back to citation no. 3
  4. Schmidt-Chanasit J, Sauerbrei A. Evolution and world-wide distribution of varicella-zoster virus clades. Infect Genet Evol. 2011 Jan;11(1):1–10.   [CrossRef]   [Pubmed]    Back to citation no. 4
  5. Bundy DG, Byerley JS, Liles EA, Perrin EM, Katznelson J, Rice HE. Does this child have appendicitis? JAMA 2007 Jul 25;298(4):438–51.   [CrossRef]   [Pubmed]    Back to citation no. 5
  6. Grynspan D, Rabah R. Adenoviral appendicitis presenting clinically as acute appendicitis. Pediatr Dev Pathol 2008 Mar-Apr;11(2):138–41.   [CrossRef]   [Pubmed]    Back to citation no. 6
  7. Marin M, Watson TL, Chaves SS, et al. Varicella among adults: data from an active surveillance project, 1995-2005. J Infect Dis 2008 Mar 1;197 Suppl 2:S94–S100.   [CrossRef]   [Pubmed]    Back to citation no. 7
  8. Sherman RA, Silva J Jr, Gandour-Edwards R. Fatal varicella in an adult: case report and review of the gastrointestinal complications of chickenpox. Rev Infect Dis 1991 May-Jun;13(3):424–7.   [CrossRef]   [Pubmed]    Back to citation no. 8
  9. Maillot C, Riachi G, François A, et al. Digestive manifestations in an immunocompetent adult with varicella. Am J Gastroenterol 1997 Aug;92(8):1361–3.   [Pubmed]    Back to citation no. 9
  10. Franco J, Fernandes R, Oliveira M, et al. Acute pancreatitis associated with varicella infection in an immunocompetent child. J Paediatr Child Health 2009 Sep;45(9):547–8.   [CrossRef]   [Pubmed]    Back to citation no. 10
  11. Jameson A, Kauffman C, Cinti S, Gandhi T. Cytomegalovirus appendicitis in human immunodeficiency virus infection. Infect Dis Clin Pract 2014;22(4):190–3.    Back to citation no. 11
  12. Pugh RN, Omar RI, Hossain MM. Varicella infection and pneumonia among adults. Int J Infect Dis 1998 Apr-Jun;2(4):205–10.   [Pubmed]    Back to citation no. 12
  13. Pogorelic Z, Biocic M, Juric I, Milunovic KP, Mrklic I. Acute appendicitis as a complication of varicella. Acta Medica (Hradec Kralove) 2012;55(3):150–2.   [CrossRef]   [Pubmed]    Back to citation no. 13
  14. Koscak D. Acute appendicitis as a complication of varicella. Paediatr Croat 2002;46:23–6.    Back to citation no. 14
  15. Camens IM. A case of chicken-pox encephalitis complicated by acute appendicitis and peritonitis with recovery. Med J Aust 1950 Apr 1;1(13):439–40.   [Pubmed]    Back to citation no. 15
  16. Harvánek K, Chromcák V. Infectious diseases in children complicated by appendicitis. Rozhl Chir 1990 Aug;69(8):538–42.   [Pubmed]    Back to citation no. 16
  17. Haslak A, Özçinar B, Balci G, et al. Appendix Inflammation with Varicella Zoster Infection. Istanbul Med J 2011;12(4):196–8.   [CrossRef]    Back to citation no. 17
  18. Lukšic B, Mladinov S, Goic-Barišic I, Srzic A, Brizic I, Peric L. Acute appendicitis, a rare complication of varicella: a report of three cases. J Infect 2012 Apr;64(4):430–3.   [CrossRef]   [Pubmed]    Back to citation no. 18

[HTML Abstract]   [PDF Full Text]

Author Contributions
Dharmendra Kanwaria – Substantial contributions to conception and design, Acquisition of data, Analysis and interpretation of data, Drafting the article, Revising it critically for important intellectual content, Final approval of the version to be published
Y. C. Porwal – Acquisition of data, Analysis and interpretation of data, Revising it critically for important intellectual content, Final approval of the version to be published
Manish Kumar – Acquisition of data, Drafting the article, Final approval of the version to be published
Guarantor of submission
The corresponding author is the guarantor of submission.
Source of support
None
Conflict of interest
Authors declare no conflict of interest.
Copyright
© 2016 Dharmendra Kanwaria et al. This article is distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium provided the original author(s) and original publisher are properly credited. Please see the copyright policy on the journal website for more information.