The role of endoscopy in suspected amebiasis
Blumencranz, H.; Kasen, L.; Romeu, J.; Waye, J.D.; LeLeiko, N.S.
American Journal of Gastroenterology 78(1): 15-18
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9270 PMID: 6295138 Document Number: 199492
The diagnosis of amebic colitis can be difficult and confusing. The gross endoscopic appearance as well as the results of endoscopic biopsy can be extremely helpful in differentiating amebiasis from other forms of colitis. Clinical symptoms, laboratory studies, x-ray findings, cultures, and even serological studies may not be sufficient for making an accurate diagnosis. To illustrate the potential difficulties we are reporting three patients in whom the diagnosis of amebiasis was considered but in whom endoscopy was important for arriving at the correct diagnosis.