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An Atypical Cause of Pneumatosis Intestinalis: Norovirus Infection in an Elderly Male

Dillard DB, Popescu C, Zell D, Rasmussen NG, Petrie C, Querin LB, Rappaport D

Cureus, 2025

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.

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