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Shigellosis complicated by acute appendicitis
Southern Medical Journal
|August 1, 1986
Summary
Acute appendicitis, a rare complication of bacillary dysentery (shigellosis), was observed in a young adult. This case marks the first documented instance of appendicitis occurring secondary to shigellosis in English medical literature.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Bacillary dysentery, also known as shigellosis, is a significant intestinal infection.
- Appendicitis is a common surgical emergency, but its association with shigellosis is exceedingly rare.
Observation:
- A 23-year-old Mexican-American male presented with symptoms indicative of acute appendicitis.
- The patient was concurrently diagnosed with acute bacillary dysentery (shigellosis).
Findings:
- The development of acute appendicitis was noted in a patient with active shigellosis.
- This represents the first reported case of appendicitis complicating shigellosis in the English literature.
Implications:
- This case highlights a potential, albeit rare, gastrointestinal complication of shigellosis.
- Further investigation may be warranted to understand the pathomechanisms linking shigellosis and appendicitis.
- Clinicians should consider appendicitis in patients with severe dysentery exhibiting compatible symptoms.