An Atypical Cause of Pneumatosis Intestinalis: Norovirus Infection in an Elderly Male
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Norovirus is a major cause of gastroenteritis, commonly presenting with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, myalgia, and fever. Most cases are self-limited, but serious complications can occur, particularly in high-risk populations. Pneumatosis intestinalis is an uncommon but serious condition that may require surgical intervention and is characterized by the presence of gas in the bowel wall. Pneumatosis intestinalis is a known, albeit extremely rare, complication of norovirus infection. We report a case of norovirus gastroenteritis in a 77-year-old male complicated by septic shock, pneumatosis intestinalis, and gastrointestinal bleeding, highlighting a rare but serious manifestation of this common infection.
Source: Cureus
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.81300
Authors: Desiree Brionne Dillard, Cornel Popescu, Derek Zell, Nathan G Rasmussen, Cody Petrie, Lauren B Querin, Douglas Rappaport
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4408893340