SAGE Open Medical Case Reports (Oct 2023)

Acute fulminant amoebic colitis: A Case report

  • Carlos Alberto Romero Cedeño,
  • Javier Contreras-Yametti,
  • Lorenzo Javier Ramírez Durini,
  • Freddy Patricio Cabrera Cepeda,
  • Joseline Katherine Crespo Martinez,
  • Tamara Cristina Merchan Dueñas,
  • Milton Patricio Tapia Calvopiña,
  • Felipe Contreras-Yametti

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/2050313X231205127
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 11

Abstract

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Amoebiasis is a parasitic infection that represents a public health problem in developing countries including Asia and Latin America where it is endemic (1000–5000 cases/100,000 habitants/year). The majority of patients have an asymptomatic course; however, 10% of patients develop complications with high morbidity and mortality, such as colonic perforation or fulminant amoebic colitis. We report a case in which a 73-year-old female presented with an acute abdomen that was initially attributed to a bowel obstruction that rapidly progressed to fulminant colitis with bowel perforation requiring total colectomy. Pre-surgical endoscopic histopathological examination revealed findings suggestive of Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites that were later confirmed in the colon post-surgical specimen leading to a diagnosis of fulminant amoebic colitis. This atypical presentation of amoebiasis, further expands the already broad differential diagnosis of acute abdominal pathology in the elderly population. A high index of suspicion is required for its prompt treatment and to prevent life-threatening complications.