A case of fulminant amoebic colitis during systemic chemotherapy for gastric cancer

Amoebiasis is a parasitic infection caused by the protozoan, Entamoeba histolytica. At times, amoebiasis is activated under immunosuppressive conditions such as chemotherapy. We report a case of fulminant amoebic colitis resulting from an asymptomatic Entamoeba histolytica infection, which was activated by chemotherapy for gastric cancer. The patient developed diarrhea and fever after three courses of chemotherapy for gastric cancer and was diagnosed with acute enteritis. A colonoscopy and biopsy were performed because of the bloody stool. Histopathological findings revealed amoebic invasion of the rectum. Therefore, the patient was diagnosed with amoebic colitis and was treated with metronidazole. Emergency surgery was performed because intestinal perforation was suspected after which his general condition improved and was discharged. Subsequently, gastric cancer surgery was performed and the patient was discharged without postoperative complications. Hence, amoebic colitis should be listed as a differential diagnosis, and a colonoscopic biopsy should be performed when colitis occurs during chemotherapy for cancer.