Chemical colitis due to peracetic acid: A case report and review of literature

Abstract

Reprocessing of both endoscopic instruments and reusable disposals is mandatory to prevent infection transmission. However, toxic colitis due to endoscope contamination by different disinfectants following an imperfect washing has been reported. We present a case of peracetic acid-induced colitis and reviewed the literature. Overall, five cases of peracetic acid toxic colitis have been reported. All cases presented with "snow white sign" immediately appearing during endoscopy, two patients complaint of mild abdominal pain (one of whom had also fever and rectal bleeding), whilst the others remained totally asymptomatic. Only one patient received a 1-week metronidazole treatment. No immediate complications were observed, and no sequels occurred at clinical-endoscopic follow-up. The identified cause of disinfectant contamination was a defective either manual or automated rinsing of the colonoscope following the reprocessing procedure.

Keywords

• Toxic colitis - Chemical colitis - Peracetic acid - induced colitis - Reprocessing - Colonoscopy