Case report: atypical presentation of mpox with massive hematochezia and prolonged viral shedding despite tecovirimat treatment

Abstract

BackgroundThe outbreak of mpox that occurred between 2022 and 2023 is primarily being transmitted through sexual contact. As of now, there is no consensus on the recommended duration of isolation to prevent sexual transmission of the virus. Moreover, this particular mpox outbreak has presented with distinct complications in comparison to previous occurrences. In this report, we present a case involving severe rectal bleeding from an ulcer in a mpox patient with a history of engaging in receptive sexual contact.Case presentationA 30-year-old Korean man presented at the hospital with complaints of fever, multiple skin lesions, and anal pain. Monkeypox virus polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results were positive for skin lesions on the penis and wrist. The patient received a 12-day course of tecovirimat due to anal symptoms and perianal skin lesions. Following isolation for 12 days and after all skin scabs had naturally fallen off, with no new skin lesions emerging for a consecutive 48 hours—conforming to the criteria of the Korean Disease Control and Prevention Agency—the patient was discharged. However, 1 day after discharge, the patient returned to the hospital due to hematochezia. His hemoglobin level had significantly dropped from 14.0 g/dL to 8.2 g/dL. Sigmoidoscopy unveiled a sizable rectal ulceration with exposed blood vessels, prompting the application of hemostasis through metal clipping. Subsequent monkeypox virus real-time PCR conducted on rectal tissue and swabs yielded positive results (with cycle threshold values of 28.48 and 31.23, respectively). An abdominal CT scan exposed a perirectal abscess, for which ampicillin-sulbactam was administered.ConclusionThis case underscores the importance of monitoring for bleeding complications and confirming the resolution of rectal lesions before discharging patients from isolation, particularly in cases where patients have a history of engaging in receptive sexual contact with men or are presenting with anal symptoms.