Concurrent Sigmoid Microperforation in the Setting of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection in an Adult Patient: A Case Report

Department

Internal Medicine

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Cureus

Abstract

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory pathogen primarily associated with pediatric infections; however, RSV infection is recognized as a significant cause of illness in adults, particularly during winter months. Despite its well-established association with respiratory disease, RSV can also present with extrapulmonary manifestations, including gastrointestinal symptoms. Here, we present the case of a 65-year-old male who presented with dyspnea and abdominal pain and tested positive for RSV. Concurrently, the patient was discovered to have a perforated sigmoid diverticulitis on abdominal imaging. Surgical intervention was deferred due to a high perioperative risk, and the patient was treated conservatively with broad-spectrum antibiotics. Shortly after, the patient developed multiple abdominal abscesses, which were treated with CT-guided percutaneous drainage and drain placement. RSV has been documented to cause gastrointestinal pathology in children by weakening the bowel wall. As RSV was identified in this patient in the setting of gastrointestinal pathology, it is hypothesized that RSV may have contributed to this patient's gastrointestinal condition.

First Page

e115710

DOI

10.7759/cureus.115710

Volume

18

Issue

9

Publication Date

9-1-2026

PubMed ID

42829603

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