A Rare Abdominal Pain Associated With Chronic Intestinal Schistosomiasis Diagnosed Endoscopically: A Case Study From Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Chronic intestinal schistosomiasis (CIS) refers to the long-term effects of infection with Schistosoma parasites in the intestines. This condition typically develops after repeated or prolonged exposure to contaminated freshwater containing Schistosoma eggs. The current study reports a case of an adult male, who complained of abnormal abdominal and anal pain for a month and had a medical history of complex perianal fistulae. The endoscopic investigation revealed different degrees of hyperemia, concentrated in the sigmoid colon and rectum. Lesions were localized in the rectum and sigmoid colon. Yellow granular hyperplasia, whether concentrated or dispersed, single or multiple polyps, along with observations of mucosal congestion, edema, faint vascular striations, erosions, superficial ulcers, and scattered petechial hemorrhages were noted. Also, the segmented areas of the colon had different degrees of inflammation. The microscopic histopathological analysis showed a culprit of surgical scar tissue. The granulomas harbored Schistosome parasites at the submucosal depth. Also, an erosion in the colonic mucosal tissues accompanied by lymphoplasmacytic and micro-abscess infiltrates was seen. A Schistosoma bilharzial ova was observed in the granuloma at the submucosal level. Endoscopic and histopathological investigations are useful tools to differentiate between CIS and Crohn's disease. These tools can distinguish CIS from Crohn's disease. Early detection and treatment are essential to prevent the progression of the disease and minimize long-term complications.