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Amebiasis, a rare cause of acute appendicitis
Glenda C Herrera1, Amílcar C Herrera1, Patricia Pontón2
1Department of General Surgery, Hospital Metropolitano, Quito, Ecuador.
Journal of Surgical Case Reports
|March 21, 2019
Summary
Acute appendicitis can rarely be caused by parasitic infection, specifically Entamoeba histolytica. Early diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial, followed by medication and improved sanitation to prevent complications.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Acute appendicitis is a common surgical emergency, typically caused by lumen obstruction.
- Parasitic infections, such as Entamoeba histolytica, can rarely lead to appendicitis, particularly in areas with poor sanitation.
Observation:
- A 29-year-old woman presented with symptoms suggestive of appendicitis.
- Preoperative diagnosis of amebic appendicitis is challenging due to its rarity and varied presentation.
Findings:
- Pathological examination confirmed acute amebic appendicitis in the presented case.
- Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites invading the appendiceal wall were identified.
Implications:
- Surgical treatment is the primary approach for acute amebic appendicitis, similar to non-amebic cases.
- Increased postoperative complications necessitate a course of nitroimidazoles and enhanced public health awareness regarding sanitation.
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