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Case Reports
. 2021 Jul-Sep;18(3):171-173.
doi: 10.4103/ajps.AJPS_70_20.

Neutropaenic enterocolitis: A medical/surgical oncological dilemma

Yetunde Tinuola Israel Aina  1 , Victor Chekwube Emordi  2 , Osasumwen Theophilus Osagie  3
Affiliations
Case Reports

Neutropaenic enterocolitis: A medical/surgical oncological dilemma

Yetunde Tinuola Israel Aina et al. Afr J Paediatr Surg. 2021 Jul-Sep.

Abstract

Neutropaenic enterocolitis (NE) is a life-threatening condition characterised by an inflammation of the colon and/or the small bowel in the background of chemotherapy-induced neutropaenia. A 16-year-old girl with acute myeloblastic leukaemia (AML) developed fever, right-sided abdominal pain and tenderness with severe neutropaenia. Initial ultrasound findings suggested acute appendicitis for which she had surgery. She developed recurrent symptoms 3 weeks later. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan showed features of NE, but she succumbed to the illness. Another 17-year-old boy with AML developed fever and severe right-sided lower abdominal pain and tenderness, following completion of induction chemotherapy. He was neutropaenic and abdominal CT was typical of NE. He was managed nonoperatively and symptoms resolved. The diagnosis of NE can be a dilemma. A high index of suspicion is needed to avoid a misdiagnosis of acute appendicitis.

Keywords: Appendicitis; chemotherapy; neutropaenia; neutropaenic enterocolitis; typhlitis.

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Conflict of interest statement

None

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Computed tomography scan image showing pneumatosis intestinalis (arrow)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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