An Autopsy Case of Fulminant Amebic Colitis in a Patient with a History of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Generally, amebic colitis is localized around the mucosal membrane and often accompanied by diarrhea and abdominal pain. We describe a patient with a history of rheumatoid arthritis who had received prolonged steroid therapy. The patient complained of breathing difficulties because of rheumatoid lun...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Naoko Kawabe, Fuyuki Sato, Miho Nagasawa, Masako Nakanishi, Yasuteru Muragaki
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Hindawi Limited 2016-01-01
Series:Case Reports in Rheumatology
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2016/8470867
Description
Summary:Generally, amebic colitis is localized around the mucosal membrane and often accompanied by diarrhea and abdominal pain. We describe a patient with a history of rheumatoid arthritis who had received prolonged steroid therapy. The patient complained of breathing difficulties because of rheumatoid lung disease. Although the patient was given antibacterial agent, the symptoms did not improve until death. We did an autopsy and found that he had fulminant amebic colitis, although the patient was not previously examined. Histochemical analysis revealed severe inflammation and full-thickness necrosis of the colon by ameba, suggesting the involvement of ameba in the progression of the overall condition.
ISSN:2090-6889
2090-6897