Necrotizing amebic colitis
Béchade, D.; Beyssac, R.; Raymond, J.M.; de Mascarel, A.; Masson, B.; Amouretti, M.
Gastroenterologie Clinique et Biologique 18(6-7): 657-660
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0399-8320 PMID: 7875425 Document Number: 432187
We report a case of necrotizing amebic colitis in a 43 year-old patient, 10 years after a stay in Senegal, successfully treated by right hemicolectomy. Entamoeba histolytica were found in colon necrosis and amoebiasis serology was positive, leading to the diagnosis. The epidemiologic, physiopathologic, clinical and therapeutic features of this exceptional affection are described. A few cases have been previously reported in non endemic areas where pre-operative diagnosis is rarely made. In endemic areas, a conservative treatment by ileostomy and colonic lavage seems to reduce the death rate.