Intestinal schistosomiasis associated with intussusception: a case report

  • Humphrey D. Mazigo BUgando University College of Health Sciences
  • Alphonce B. Chandika Department of Surgery, Bugando Medical Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania
  • Maria Zinga Weill-Bugando University College of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 1464, Mwanza
  • Jorg Heukelbach Department of Community Health, School of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza
  • Peter Rambau Weill-Bugando University College of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 1464, Mwanza
Keywords: Ileum, caecum, intussusception, Schistosoma mansoni, Tanzania

Abstract

We report a case of intestinal schistosomiasis associated with iliocaecal intussusception resulting from obstructions of the terminal part of the ileum by schistosome egg-induced fibrosis. A 7-year-old boy presented with the history of abdominal pain and difficulties in passing stool for two months. Ultrasound examination revealed doughnut signs characterized with multiple concentric rings at the lateral abdomen, and the bowel loop appeared distended. Exploratory laparatomy confirmed intussusception of the terminal part of the ileum into the caecum, extending to the ascending colon. Hemicolectomy and end-to-end iliocolostomy was performed. Histological examination of the resected bowel revealed Schistosoma mansoni eggs within the mucosa, submucosa of the ileum, caecum and ascending colon, granulomatous inflammation with foreign body giant cells accompanied by fibrosis and eosinophilic infiltrate into the mucosa. Postoperatively, the patient recovered well. There may have been a synergistic effect of schistosomiasis with other underlying conditions, leading to intussusception. In conclusion, it is important to consider S. mansoni infection as a differential diagnosis for intestinal obstruction in endemic areas.

Author Biography

Humphrey D. Mazigo, BUgando University College of Health Sciences

Department of Medical Parasitology and Entomology

Assistant Lecturer

Published
2011-05-04
How to Cite
MazigoH. D., ChandikaA. B., ZingaM., HeukelbachJ., & RambauP. (2011). Intestinal schistosomiasis associated with intussusception: a case report. Tanzania Journal of Health Research, 13(2), 113-114. https://doi.org/10.4314/thrb.v13i2.64404
Section
Articles

Journal Identifiers


eISSN: 1821-9241
print ISSN: 1821-6404