Massive gastrointestinal hemorrhage secondary to typhoid colitis: A case report and literature review

Abstract

We present a case of massive lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage secondary to Salmonella enterica subtype Typhi (S. Typhi) colitis, in a 29 year-old female treated for S. Typhi bacteremia. One week post-treatment, she unexpectedly developed a large volume of rectal bleeding. Endoscopy showed colonic ulcers and ileitis, but no endoscopic hemostasis was required. Treatment was supportive with transfusions and a prolonged course of antimicrobials, with the bleeding stopping spontaneously. This case illustrates the phenomenon of delayed lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage, as a rare complication of S. Typhi infection.

Keywords

• Salmonella Typhi
• Colitis
• Lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage