A Case Of Intestinal Schistosomiasis Mimicking Inflammatory Bowel Disease : The Key Role Of Histopathology

Rajoelyna R, Razafimahefa VJ, Nomenjanahary L, Flogenio JJ, Andriamampionona TF

Abstract


Intestinal schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma mansoni is endemic in Madagascar and may mimic inflammatory bowel disease due to nonspecific clinical and endoscopic features. We report the case of an 18-year-old woman presenting with chronic rectal bleeding. Colonoscopy revealed erosive and aphthous lesions extending from the rectum to the left colonic flexure, initially suggestive of inflammatory bowel disease. Histopathological examination of colonic and rectal biopsies demonstrated a dense chronic inflammatory infiltrate and Schistosoma mansoni eggs with a characteristic lateral spine, without histological features consistent with inflammatory bowel disease. The present case highlights the importance of considering the epidemiological context and performing histopathological examination in the diagnosis of chronic colitis in endemic areas.

Keywords


Colitis; Histopathology; Intestinal schistosomiasis; Rectal bleeding; Schistosoma mansoni.

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.52155/ijpsat.v58.1.8183

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