The Association Between Varicella and Acute Appendicitis: A Rare Case Report and Literature Review

Mahya Sadat  Mohammadi; Golnaz Ghazizadeh  Esslami; Amir Hossein  Dehghan; Matineh Sadat  Tabatabaei

doi:10.18502/crcp.v10i3.20308

Mahya Sadat Mohammadi Department of Emergency, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Children’s Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Golnaz Ghazizadeh Esslami Department of Emergency, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Children’s Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Amir Hossein Dehghan Student Scientific Research Center (SSRC), Nursing and Midwifery School, Tehran university of medical sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Matineh Sadat Tabatabaei Student Scientific Research Center (SSRC), Nursing and Midwifery School, Tehran university of medical sciences, Tehran, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/crcp.v10i3.20308

Keywords: Varicella; Acute appendicitis; Pediatrics

Abstract

Varicella-zoster virus, the causative agent of chickenpox, is typically a self-limiting disease. However, in rare cases, it has been associated with atypical complications. Here, we report a unique case of acute appendicitis following varicella infection in an otherwise healthy individual. The possible mechanisms linking varicella to appendiceal inflammation remain unclear, but viral-induced immune dysregulation and secondary bacterial infection have been suggested. In our study, we aim to highlight this rare association, discuss potential pathophysiological mechanisms, and review the existing literature on similar cases.