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Fulminant amebic colitis: a study of six cases
R Nisheena1, Anuradha Ananthamurthy, Y K Inchara
1Department of Pathology, St. John's Medical College, Bangalore, India.
Indian Journal of Pathology & Microbiology
|August 15, 2009
Summary
Fulminant amebic colitis (FAC) is a rare but severe condition with high mortality. Prompt surgical intervention is crucial for improving outcomes in patients with this serious amebic infection.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Amebic colitis, while common, can rarely manifest as fulminant colitis.
- Fulminant amebic colitis (FAC) presents a significant challenge due to high morbidity and mortality.
- Timely and appropriate treatment is essential for managing FAC.
Observation:
- This retrospective study analyzed six patients surgically treated for FAC between 2002 and 2006.
- Preoperative diagnosis of amebic colitis was challenging, with only one confirmed case.
- Intraoperative findings frequently included multiple intestinal perforations and peritonitis.
Findings:
- Microscopic examination revealed ulceration, myonecrosis, and trophozoites in all cases.
- Trophozoite invasion into the muscularis propria was observed in five patients.
- Two patients with muscularis propria invasion expired within two weeks post-surgery, one with a co-infection.
Implications:
- Fulminant amebic colitis is an infrequent but life-threatening complication of amebic colitis.
- Prompt surgical intervention is indicated for managing severe cases of FAC.
- Understanding morphological features aids in diagnosis and prognosis of FAC.
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