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Case Reports
. 2022 Dec 16;14(12):789-794.
doi: 10.4253/wjge.v14.i12.789.

Colonic schistosomiasis: A case report

Hajar Koulali  1 , Abdelkrim Zazour  2 , Wafaa Khannoussi  2 , Ghizlane Kharrasse  2 , Zahi Ismaili  2
Affiliations
Case Reports

Colonic schistosomiasis: A case report

Hajar Koulali et al. World J Gastrointest Endosc. .

Abstract

Background: Schistosomiasis is a chronic parasitic infection endemic in many countries. Colonic schistosomiasis is a rare entity with no specific clinical manifestations or endoscopic aspects, which delays the diagnosis. Diagnosis is primarily dependent on histopathological analysis, and treatment with antihelminthics typically resolves the infection.

Case summary: We present the case of a 21-year-old male who suffered from chronic diarrhea and abdominal pain. Physical examination found no abnormalities, blood tests were normal, and stool examination was negative. A colonoscopy revealed a nodular terminal ileal mucosa, two cecal polypoid lesions with no particular surface pattern, and millimetric erosions in the rectum. The presence of Schistosoma eggs with thick peripheral capsules and viable embryos inside and numerous eosinophils surrounding the egg capsule were observed on histopathological examination. The patient received praziquantel, and his symptoms were resolved.

Conclusion: Colonic schistosomiasis should be considered as a differential diagnosis, especially in endemic countries. Endoscopy and histopathological examination can confirm the diagnosis, and antihelminthics are an effective treatment.

Keywords: Colon; Colonoscopy; Histopathology; Ova; Polyps; Schistosoma.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Colonoscopy and histopathological findings. A: Polyps were observed during colonoscopy; B: Microphotography showed the presence of three Schistosoma eggs in the colic mucosa (hematoxylin and eosin, × 40); C: Microphotography of a Schistosoma egg showed a thick peripheral capsule and a viable embryo inside. The egg capsule was surrounded by numerous eosinophils (hematoxylin and eosin, × 400).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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