Fulminant amoebic colitis with perforation successfully treated by staged surgery: a case report

Radical surgery for fulminant amoebic colitis leads to extremely high mortality; however, resective surgery is mandatory if a patient develops massive fecal peritonitis. We herein report an extremely rare case of fulminant amoebic colitis with multiple perforations, which was successfully treated by staged surgical procedures. A 48-year-old man who had been treated with predonisolone under a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis was admitted. Biopsy specimens from the colonic mucosa revealed Entamoeba histolytica. On the day of diagnosis, he developed severe abdominal pain and underwent emergency laparoptomy, showing total colonic gangrene with multiple perforations associated with massive fecal peritonitis. Subtotal colectomy, mucous fistula of the rectosigmoid, and ileostomy were performed. He recovered well although disseminated intravascular coagulopathy developed postoperatively. As the middle and upper part of rectum was found to be severely stenotic 4 months after surgery, we performed proctectomy, ileal pouch anal canal anastomosis, and diverting ileostomy, which was reversed 6 months later. The patient has been well with satisfactory anal function 37 months after the initial surgery. This case suggests that (1) early and accurate diagnosis of amoebiasis is important to avoid surgical intervention, and (2) staged surgery including total colectomy should be considered as one of the treatment choices even in patients with total necrotizing amoebic colitis. Received: July 3, 2001 / Accepted: December 14, 2001 Acknowledgments. We gratefully thank Dr. Takeo Iwama, Director of the Department of Surgery, Kyoundo Hospital, Sasaki Research Institute, for useful advice. Reprint requests to: H. Ishida     

Colonic cancer in a patient with primary sclerosing cholangitis and long-standing ulcerative colitis

A 27-year-old woman with a 9-year history of ulcerative colitis involving the entire colon was admitted to our hospital in August 1992 because of bloody stools and left lower abdominal pain. She had been treated with sulfasalazine since 1983 and the colitis had been clinically quiescent or mild for 7 years. She had also been diagnosed as having primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) 4 years prior to this admission, based on the clinical, laboratory, and cholangiographic findings. A barium enema and colonoscopy showed an irregular mass obstructing the bowel lumen in the distal portion of the descending colon. Biopsy specimens taken from the mass revealed moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma, and a subtotal colectomy was performed. Histologic examination of the mass lesion showed moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma invading the pericolic adipose tissue. She is currently alive 3 years after surgery. PSC has recently been reported as a risk factor for colonic neoplasia in patients with longstanding ulcerative colitis. In Japan, however, colorectal cancer associated with PSC and ulcerative colitis has rarely been reported. The present case suggests that the risk of colonic cancer is higher in patients with ulcerative colitis and PSC than in patients with ulcerative colitis alone.     

Induction of diffuse necrotizing enterocolitis by anticancer chemotherapy

Fulminant, necrotizing colitis is a frequent, and generally fatal, complication of severe granulocytopenia, occurring during the treatment of hematological malignancies. In these cases, the patient complains of severe peritonitis, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea or melena, and a high temperature. Here, a rare case of anticancer chemotherapy-induced diffuse necrotizing enterocolitis throughout the entire intestinal tract is presented, which developed in a patient who did not have a hematologic malignancy but who had colon cancer, the only clinical symptom of which was watery stools, without any evidence of peritoneal irritation. Full attention should be paid to progressive diarrhea in patients with malignancies during anticancer chemotherapy.     

Ischemic colitis after capecitabine plus cisplatin treatment in advanced gastric cancer

Systemic chemotherapy can be complicated by colonic toxicity, which usually determines the onset of pseudomembranous colitis and, rarely, of ischemic colitis in patients with cancer. This report describes the case of a 45-year-old man with advanced gastric cancer who developed severe ischemic colitis after chemotherapy with cisplatin and capecitabine. The patient developed symptoms of gastrointestinal toxicity with abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea. He had a normal white blood cell count throughout his illness; the assay of stool specimens for Clostridium difficile toxins and the stool cultures were both negative. An endoscopy showed a mild, transient ischemic colitis. Although cisplatin is related to severe colonic cytotoxicity, it has not been previously reported that capecitabine induces arterial thrombosis and necrosis of the gastrointestinal mucosa and inhibits angiogenesis. Pseudomembranous colitis is the most frequent complication in patients with cancer who undergo capecitabine-based chemotherapy and develop gastrointestinal toxicity. Once Clostridium difficile infection has been excluded, a diagnosis of ischemic colitis should be considered, especially in patients with cancer who have normal white blood cell counts.     

Fulminant ulcerative colitis in a healthy pregnant woman

This case report concerns a 25-year-old patient with6-7 bloody stools/d, abdominal pain, tachycardia,and weight loss occurring during the third trimester of pregnancy. Severe ulcerative colitis complicated by toxic megacolon and gravidic sepsis was diagnosed by clinical evaluation, colonoscopy, and rectal biopsy that were performed safely without risk for the mother or baby. The patient underwent a cesarean section at28+6 wk gestation. The baby was transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit of our hospital and survived without complications. Fulminant colitis was managed conservatively by combined colonoscopic decompression and medical treatment. Although current European guidelines describe toxic megacolon as an indication for emergency surgery for both pregnant and non-pregnant women, thanks to careful monitoring, endoscopic decompression, and intensive medical therapy with nutritional support, we prevented the woman from having to undergo emergency pancolectomy. Our report seems to suggest that conservative management may be a helpful tool in preventing pancolectomy if the patient's condition improves quickly. Otherwise, surgery is mandatory.     

Cytomegalic colitis after total colectomy in ulcerative colitis

A 58-year-old man with ulcerative colitis underwent total colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis. Steroid suppositories were administered postoperatively, and he had had no exacerbation in the residual rectum for 12 years. He suddenly presented with frequent bloody stools and anal pain. An intensive intravenous regimen of prednisolone was ineffective. Cytomegalic inclusion bodies were identified in biopsy specimens. Administration of ganciclovir reduced the ulcers remarkably. The clinical course suggested that this deterioration was caused by cytomegalovirus infection from the beginning. Cytomegalovirus colitis should be recognized as an exacerbating factor, even in ulcerative colitis patients who have undergone surgery, especially when the residual bowel inflammation is resistant to steroid therapy.     

A successfully treated case of hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state complicated with rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney injury, and ischemic colitis

A 48-year-old Japanese male was admitted to our hospital due to hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS), combined with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury. His blood sugar levels were gradually decreased by fluid resuscitation and insulin infusion; however, his renal function worsened, and he developed bloody stools. He required continuous hemodiafiltration to improve his hemodynamics. As colonoscopy revealed longitudinal ulcers, ischemic colitis was diagnosed. We treated him conservatively at first, but when we found the ulceration of the sigmoid colon had penetrated the mesenterium, colectomy was indicated. After surgery, his general condition improved. Careful monitoring of complications related to HHS is important.     

Ischemic colitis associated with paclitaxel

Systemic chemotherapy can be complicated by colonic toxicity, which usually determines the onset of pseudomembranous colitis and, rarely, of ischemic colitis in patients with cancer. This report describes the case of a 49-year-old woman with liver metastases from a neuroendocrine tumor of unknown origin who developed mild ischemic colitis after chemotherapy with carboplatin and paclitaxel. The patient developed symptoms of gastrointestinal toxicity with abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea, which resolved in about 10 days. She had a normal white blood cell count throughout her illness; the assay of stool specimens for Clostridium difficile toxins and the stool cultures were both negative. A sigmoidoscopy showed a mild, transient ischemic colitis, which was confirmed by pathologic examination of the biopsy specimens. Although carboplatin is not related to severe colonic cytotoxicity, it has been previously reported that paclitaxel induces necrosis of the gastrointestinal mucosa and inhibits angiogenesis. Pseudomembranous colitis is the most frequent complication in patients with cancer who undergo paclitaxel-based chemotherapy and develop gastrointestinal toxicity. Once C. difficile infection has been excluded, a diagnosis of ischemic colitis should be considered, especially in patients with cancer who have normal white blood cell counts.     

Rectal cancer associated with acquired hypertrichosis lanuginosa as a possible cutaneous marker of internal malignancy

We report a case of acquired hypertrichosis lanuginosa associated with rectal cancer and discuss the cutaneous symptoms as a marker of malignancy. A 75-year-old man had noticed increasing growth of hair over his entire body 4 months before he was admitted to our hospital because of bloody stools. Advanced rectal cancer was diagnosed, and he underwent sigmoidocolostomy. After the operation, levels of serum adrenocorticotrophic hormone and cortisone were normal, as were urinary levels of 17-ketosteroids and 17-hydroxycorticosteroids. Levels of carcinoembryonic antigen and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 were slightly elevated. The patient died 5 months after the operation because of peritonitis carcinomatosa. We suggest that hypertrichosis lanuginosa is a marker of internal malignant tumors. (Received Apr. 3, 1997; accepted Dec. 19, 1997)     

A case of portal vein thrombosis in patient with ulcerative colitis

Portal vein thrombosis is a rare and serious complication in ulcerative colitis (UC). We report a patient with UC who developed portal vein thrombosis with persistent ascites which was successfully managed with total colectomy. A 46-year-old man was admitted complaining of bloody stool. UC had been diagnosed 11 years previously. He required subtotal colectomy because his colitis did not respond to conservative therapy and worsened with suspected peritonitis. Although the portal vein thrombosis was diagnosed after surgery and the systemic anti-coagulant therapy was started, this was stopped after 2 days because of massive rectal bleeding. Fortunately, sufficient hydration with intravenous infusion and re-infusion of concentrated ascites led to portal vein thrombolysis successfully after 28 postoperative days. This case suggests that colectomy and sufficient hydration may have a favorable effect on treatment of portal vein thrombosis in patients with UC.     

三皮汤加味治疗溃疡性结肠炎临床疗效观察

[目的]评价三皮汤加味治疗溃疡性结肠炎（UC）的临床疗效和安全性。[方法]采用随机对照观察，将符合人选标准的79例UC患者分为治疗组（49例）、对照组（30例）。治疗组给予三皮汤加味煎剂100ml，4次／d；对照组给予柳氮磺胺吡啶片（SASP）1．0g，4次／d。疗程均为4周。[结果]治疗组和对照组的临床有效率分别为91．8％、76．7％，治疗组显著优于对照组（P〈0．01）；腹泻，腹痛、黏液血便总有效率治疗组分别为91．5％、91．1％、95．0％，对照组分别为80．0％、73．3％、70．8％，治疗组优于对照组（P〈0．05）；结肠镜下疗效观察，治疗组显著优于对照组，其有效率分别为71．6％、46．7％（P〈0．01）。治疗组未见明显不良反应，对照组以恶心、上腹不适为多见（26．7％），白细胞减少次之（20．0％）。[结论]三皮汤加味治疗UC是一个安全、有效配方，可在临床中推广使用。     

A Case of Familial Adenomatous Polyposis Associated with Colon Cancer,Ureteral Cancer and Two Early Gastric Cancers

A rare case of Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP), associated with colon cancer, ureteral cancer and two early gastric cancers, is reported. A 42-year-old male was admitted to our hospital for evaluation of bloody stools and macrohematuria. There were six FAP patients in his family line, spanning four generations, and five had developed colon cancers. A barium enema revealed diffuse and scattered polyposis throughout the colon and an apple core sign in the descending colon. Abdominal CT disclosed right hydronephrosis with a markedly dilated ureter. Surgery was undertaken and included total colectomy, mucosal proctectomy, ileoanal anastomosis and right nephrectomy with ureteral resection, under a diagnosis of colon cancer and complete right ureteral stenosis. The resected specimens revealed a colon cancer in the descending colon, 50×32×15 mm in size and a ureteral cancer in the lower part of the right ureter, 30×16×16 mm in size. Four years later, he visited our hospital for detailed gastric examination, because gastric abnormalities had been pointed out in a health screening examination. Upper Gl X-ray and endoscopic studies disclosed two cancerous lesions in the gastric antrum, one being a lie lesion in the anterior wall and the other a Ha + lie lesion in the posterior wall. Subtotal gastrectomy was performed and histological study revealed that invasiveness was limited to the submucosa in both lesions. No case of FAP associated with ureteral cancer has previously been reported and only 28 cases with associated gastric cancer have appeared in the Japanese literature.     

A patient with improvement of ulcerative colitis after appendectomy

Recently, several retrospective studies have shown an inverse association between appendectomy and development of ulcerative colitis. We describe a 21-year-old man with distal ulcerative colitis and appendiceal involvement. The patient passed bloody stools continually during the 3 years before admission. Macroscopic and microscopic findings showed chronic moderate inflammation of the appendix and rectum. The ratio of CD4 to CD8 lymphocytes isolated from rectal and appendiceal mucosa was increased (4.3 and 3.8, respectively) compared with controls (n = 11; 1.0 in the rectum and 1.4 in the appendix). Clinical symptoms and colonoscopic and microscopic findings improved significantly after appendectomy. In addition, the amount of interferon gamma secreted from rectal lymphocytes was reduced to 89 pg/mL after surgery (before appendectomy, 254 pg/mL). However, interleukin 4 production was below detectable levels both before and after appendectomy. These findings suggest that appendectomy resulted in altered T-helper (Th)1/Th2 balance in this patient. In the 3 years since surgery, the patient has been in good condition without recurrence of symptoms. This is the first report demonstrating therapeutic benefit of appendectomy in a patient with ulcerative colitis and potential mechanistic relationship.     

Ileocecal resection for idiopathic intussusception in an adult

A 60-year-old woman presented with abdominal pain and bloody stools. On examination, there was muscular guarding and rebound tenderness in the right abdomen. Abdominal ultrasonography and CT showed a concentric structure in the ascending colon and ascites. Emergency surgery was performed with a preoperative diagnosis of idiopathic intussusception. At operation, an intussusception was not seen, but ileocecal resection was performed to remove a possible tumor. No lesion that could have caused intussusception was identified in the resected bowel segment, so the condition was idiopathic.     

Development of perianal ulcer as a result of acute fulminant amoebic colitis

We report a case of acute fulminant amoebic colitis that resulted in the development of a perianal ulcer in a 29-year-old Japanese homosexual man with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The patient was admitted to our hospital with a persistent perianal abscess that was refractory to antibiotic therapy administered at another hospital. On admission, we observed a giant ulcer in the perianal region. At first, cytomegalovirus colitis was suspected by blood investigations. Ganciclovir therapy was initiated; however, the patient developed necrosis of the skin around the anus during therapy. We only performed end-sigmoidostomy and necrotomy to avoid excessive surgical invasion. Histopathological examination of the surgical specimen revealed the presence of trophozoite amoebae, indicating a final diagnosis of acute fulminant amoebic colitis. The patient’s postoperative course was favorable, and proctectomy of the residual rectum was performed 11 mo later. Amoebic colitis is one of the most severe complications affecting patients with AIDS. Particularly, acute fulminant amoebic colitis may result in a poor prognosis; therefore, staged surgical therapy as a less invasive procedure should be considered as one of the treatment options for these patients.     

PSEUDOMEMBRANOUS COLITIS COMPLICATING ULCERATIVE COLITIS

Clostridium difficile toxin (CD toxin) causes antibiotic‐associated colitis, or pseudomembranous colitis (PMC). Although CD toxin is sometimes found in the stools of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), UC is rarely complicated by PMC. We report herein a case of PMC complicating UC, and present a review of the literature. A 71‐year‐old woman was diagnosed as having UC of the left colon, and treated with prednisolone and mesalazine. Later, however, lumbar spinal stenosis was also detected. After surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis, she suffered postoperative infection of the lumbar region. After 3‐week treatment with antibiotics, she developed diarrhea, bloody stools, and abdominal pain. Colonoscopy revealed PMC of the cecum, ascending colon, sigmoid colon, and rectum. Stools were positive for CD toxin. As cefotiam hydrochloride, levofloxacin hydrate (LVFX), and prednisolone were suspected as the causative agents, she was treated with 1.5 g vancomycin (VCM) daily for 2 weeks without ceasing LVFX. Her symptoms improved, and colonoscopy confirmed resolution of PMC. The possibility of PMC should be considered in UC patients treated with antibiotics, immunosuppressive agents or corticosteroids who complain of gastrointestinal symptoms. These patients should be thoroughly investigated by several modalities, including colonoscopy and CD toxin testing.     

Gastric cancer following total proctocolectomy for colon cancer associated with ulcerative colitis

Here we report a case of advanced gastric cancer seen after total proctocolectomy for an early colon cancer associated with ulcerative colitis (UC). A 42-year-old man, diagnosed with UC at the age of 21, had undergone total proctocolectomy at the age of 38 for an early ascending colon cancer. Three years later the patient developed tarry stools and epigastric discomfort. Laboratory data showed anemia together with elevated serum p53 antibody. Gastric endoscopy showed thickening folds around a lesion in the stomach body. The pathological diagnosis was poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma with signet-ring cell carcinoma. Total gastrectomy was performed and the resected specimens showed a diffuse infiltrating tumor (scirrhous gastric carcinoma), 11 × 15 cm in size, with multiple lymph node metastases. Histopathological examination revealed diffuse infiltration of cancer cells throughout the gastric wall and invasion of the serosa. Results of cytology on abdominal lavage were positive for cancer cells. Likewise, immunohistochemical staining showed gastric mucin phenotype cancer cells positive for p53. In conclusion, it is important to bear in mind that patients with UC, especially chronically active pancolitis, potentially bear the risk of upper gastrointestinal complications.     

Ulcerative colitis associated with Weber-Christian panniculitis and musculitis: A case report

A case of 22-year-old man suffering from ulcerative colitis, in whom Weber-Christian panni culitis and musculitis occurred simultaneously, is reported. He had suffered from ulcerative colitis for 7 years and he again had bloody stools 1 month before being admitted. Two weeks before admission, large (2–4cm) subcutaneous tumors appeared. Weber-Christian panniculitis, musculitis, and active stage ulcerative colitis were diagnosed. All the symptoms went into remission after steroid therapy. The possibility of the existence of a common antigen in enterobacterial wall, colonic epithelium, and adipose tissue was suggested.     

Diversion Colitis in Children with Severe Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders

We found colitis in 11 of 14 children, 4 months to 7 yr after surgical diversion of the colon for chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction. Colonoscopic examination was incidental during placement of a catheter for colon manometry and transit studies. All 14 children had complained of diffuse, poorly localized abdominal pain, but only three had a history of bloody stools. Diversion colitis had not previously been suspected in six of eight affected children without hematochezia. Biopsies showed a nonspecific acute and chronic inflammation and/or nodular lymphoid hyperplasia. There was no correlation between the duration of the colonic diversion and the severity of the colitis. Diversion colitis may be an indolent inflammatory nidus and a potential cause for repeated bacteremia, abdominal pain, and bleeding.     

Pleural involvement in the course of chronic myelomonocytic leukemia and the development of multiple colonic perforation due to leukemic infiltration in the acute leukemia phase

A 68-year-old man with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) was initially treated with hydroxyurea with subsequent stable disease. In the time course, he developed bilateral pleuritis accompanied by leukocytosis and spiking fever. Cytologic analysis of the pleural effusion revealed abundant mature granulocytes and monocytes. He was treated with intravenous or oral etoposide with consequent resolution of the pleuritis, indicating the pleural involvement of CMML. Three months later, he developed hepatomegaly and became febrile. One month thereafter, the CMML transformed to acute myeloid leukemia, and the patient developed massive bloody stools associated with epigastric pain and leukocytosis. A gastrofiberscopic examination showed multiple bleeding gastric ulcers. The bleeding ulcers were treated with the clipping procedure; however, the bloody stools continued. Although intravenous etoposide was effective for the leukocytosis and hepatomegaly, the treatment did not improve the bloody stools. The patient finally died of panperitonitis. The autopsy showed multiple ulcers of the transverse colon, some of which were perforated. Microscopically, the ulcerated areas were densely infiltrated with leukemic cells predominantly consisting of immature monocytes and granulocytes. This patient may be the first reported case of CMML complicated by colonic perforation due to leukemic infiltration.