Suspected Visceral Herpes Zoster Presenting as Flank Pain in a Patient with Renal Cell Carcinoma

Saturday, November 15, 2025

10:24 AM - 10:32 AM CT

Location: Griffin Hall - Screen 03

Introduction: Herpes zoster (shingles) results from reactivation of latent varicella zoster virus within the dorsal root or cranial nerve ganglia. It classically presents with unilateral, dermatomal pain and vesicular rash, often preceded by a painful prodrome. While cutaneous disease is well recognized, visceral involvement is rare, affecting 5–10% of cases, usually in immunocompromised patients. The abdomen is a common site, and presentations without rash or preceding cutaneous eruption complicate timely recognition and appropriate management.

Submitting Author(s)

BN

Bhavana Nangunuri, MD

Resident Physician
Schwab Rehabilitation Hospital & Care Network/University of Chicago PM&R Program
Chicago, Illinois, United States

Co-Author(s)

SF

Sabrina Foster, MS

Medical Assistant
Chicago Sports and Spine, United States

SL

Sarah Libfraind, MD

Resident Physician
Schwab Rehabilitation Hospital & Care Network/University of Chicago PM&R Program, United States

BB

Baljinder Bathla, MD

Attending Physician
Schwab Rehabilitation Hospital & Care Network/University of Chicago PM&R Program, United States