Lymphocytic colitis presenting as difficult diarrhoea in an African woman: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Introduction: Lymphocytic colitis is an uncommon intestinal disorder that presents with chronic diarrhoea. It is treatable, but in the developing world, its diagnosis may often prove difficult. Data and reports of this condition in Africa are scarce because most medical centres lack a functional gastrointestinal endoscopy unit that would aid in the diagnosis.

Case presentation: We present the case of a 53-year-old Nigerian woman with pathogen-negative chronic diarrhoea and a family history of chronic diarrhoea. She responded well to treatment after colonoscopy and colonic biopsy successfully diagnosed her illness.

Conclusion: Referral of patients with pathogen-negative chronic diarrhoea to medical centres that have facilities for colonoscopy and biopsy is important in the developing world.

Figure 1

A high power micrograph of colonic mucosa showing moderate mucosal chronic inflammation and focal intraepithelial infiltrates of lymphocytes.