Schistosomiasis Mansoni Manifesting as Multiple Colonic Polyps

Abstract

Schistosomiasis (bilharziasis) is a common parasitic disease in subtropical and tropical parts of Africa, some parts of the Middle East, South America, Asia, and some parts of the Caribbean. It is a major public health problem and associated with significant morbidity and mortality in endemic areas. We describe a 28-yearold male patient presenting with bleeding per rectum associated with mucus secretion, abdominal pain, anorexia, and weight loss. Blood investigation showed pancytopenia with macrocytic hypochromic anemia. Meanwhile, his colonoscopy showed two large polyps 10 cm and 50 cm away from the anal verge, each measuring 3 cm in size. Microscopic examination of multiple colonic biopsies confirmed Schistosoma mansoni. The patient was treated with praziquantel, which improved his condition. Colonic schistosomiasis is an important differential diagnosis in patients with a history of travel to endemic areas. Early diagnosis and medical management can avoid unnecessary invasive intervention in such cases.

Secondary Spontaneous Pneumothorax Caused by Pulmonary Schistosomiasis

“…Most often, the parasite and its eggs are found in the urinary bladder or the liver. In addition, incidences of gastrointestinal infection with schistosomiasis have been reported, which can cause ulceration and bleeding [ 3 ]. However, the incident of pulmonary infection is very rare and can lead to pulmonary hypertension.…”

“…It is estimated that there are around 700 million at risk of contracting the disease with 200 million active infections worldwide [ 1 - 2 ]. There are five species capable of infecting the human body: Schistosoma mansoni , Schistosoma japonicum , Schistosoma mekongi , Schistosoma intercalatum , and Schistosoma haematobium [ 3 ]. In Saudi Arabia, Schistosomiasis is one of the most common health problems, especially in the southern regions [ 2 ].…”

“…Moreover, the parasite can be latent for up to 40 years before it becomes active [ 5 ]. Schistosomiasis commonly affects the urinary and gastrointestinal tract causing a wide range of complications such as hematuria, bladder cancer, spontaneous abortion, ectopic pregnancy, and colon polyps [ 1 , 3 ]. However, its cardiopulmonary involvement is a rare event that occurs as a result of the involvement of the portosystemic collaterals or directly from the inferior vena cava [ 4 ].…”

Circulating Schistosoma DNA in seropositive patients: A twostep diagnostic approach to rule-out acute and active chronic schistosomiasis in low transmission settings

“…The resulting schistosomiasis is an acute parasitic infection that tends to persist as a life-long chronic debilitating disease. There is a wide spectrum of chronic sequelae of schistosomiasis, some of which are fatal, including chronic cystitis, carcinoma of the bladder, portal hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, male and female genital schistosomiasis, and cerebral schistosomiasis [5,6] . whether they are infected or not.…”

Huge Colonic Granuloma of Schistosomiasis Mimicked Cancer in a 10-Years-Old Child: A Case Report

“…An accurate and detailed history may offer less invasive testing and treatment modalities. 15 Due to the rarity of this condition, there are no specific recommendations for the treatment of partial colonic obstruction caused by fibrotic inflammation in colonic schistosomiasis. However, intestinal schistosomiasis is typically treated with a single oral dose of 40-60 mg/kg of praziquantel; this protocol is associated with 70-90% cure rates.…”