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Hall R, Patel K, Poullis A, Pollok R, Honap S. Separating Infectious Proctitis from Inflammatory Bowel Disease-A Common Clinical Conundrum. Microorganisms 2024; 12:2395. [PMID: 39770599 PMCID: PMC11678827 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12122395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2024] [Revised: 11/19/2024] [Accepted: 11/20/2024] [Indexed: 01/11/2025] Open
Abstract
Proctitis refers to inflammation in the rectum and may result in rectal bleeding, discharge, urgency, tenesmus, and lower abdominal pain. It is a common presentation, particularly in genitourinary medicine and gastroenterology, as the two most common causes are sexually transmitted infections and inflammatory bowel disease. The incidence of infective proctitis is rising, particularly amongst high-risk groups, including men who have sex with men, those with HIV seropositive status, and those participating in high-risk sexual behaviours. The most commonly isolated organisms are Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Treponema palladium, herpes simplex virus, and Mycoplasma genitalium. Recently, proctitis was also identified as a common feature during the Mpox outbreak. Distinguishing infective proctitis from inflammatory bowel disease remains a significant clinical challenge as there is significant overlap in the clinical presentation and their endoscopic and histological features. This review compares and highlights the distinguishing hallmarks of both inflammatory and infective causes of proctitis. It provides a practical guide to describe the key features that clinicians should focus on in both clinical and key diagnostic investigations to avoid potential misdiagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Hall
- Department of Gastroenterology, St George’s University Hospital, London SW17 0QT, UK; (R.H.)
| | - Kamal Patel
- Department of Gastroenterology, St George’s University Hospital, London SW17 0QT, UK; (R.H.)
| | - Andrew Poullis
- Department of Gastroenterology, St George’s University Hospital, London SW17 0QT, UK; (R.H.)
| | - Richard Pollok
- Department of Gastroenterology, St George’s University Hospital, London SW17 0QT, UK; (R.H.)
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George’s University, London SW17 0RE, UK
| | - Sailish Honap
- Department of Gastroenterology, St George’s University Hospital, London SW17 0QT, UK; (R.H.)
- School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King’s College London, London SE1 9NH, UK
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2
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Herpes Simplex Virus Pseudotumor Masking as Gastric Malignancy. ACG Case Rep J 2023; 10:e00985. [PMID: 36911758 PMCID: PMC9995093 DOI: 10.14309/crj.0000000000000985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) pseudotumor is a rare presentation of HSV and has not been previously reported in the stomach. A 51-year-old man with a medical history of HIV presented with new-onset dysphagia. Endoscopy revealed an HSV-positive mass at the gastroesophageal junction. After antiviral treatment, the patient returned with a 100-pound unintentional weight loss. Computed tomography showed an infiltrative mass with enlarged lymph nodes. The mass had progressed despite HSV treatment, and a repeat set of biopsies were negative for HSV with cells concerning for B-cell lymphoma. The patient was taken to the operating room for a full-thickness biopsy because of increasing concern for malignancy. The procedure was complicated by gastric perforation, leading to a total gastrectomy. Final pathology demonstrated an HSV-positive pseudotumor, negative for malignancy. It is important to diagnose gastric masses, especially in HIV-positive patients at high risk of infection and malignancy. However, immunocompromised patients with an HSV-positive mass should be treated for HSV pseudotumor with a longer than standard duration of antiviral therapy.
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Miller CQ, Saeed OAM, Collins K. Gastrointestinal histoplasmosis complicating pediatric Crohn disease: A case report and review of literature. World J Gastrointest Endosc 2022; 14:648-656. [PMID: 36303809 PMCID: PMC9593511 DOI: 10.4253/wjge.v14.i10.648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infection with Histoplasma capsulatum (H. capsulatum) can lead to disseminated disease involving the gastrointestinal tract presenting as diffuse abdominal pain and diarrhea which may mimic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
CASE SUMMARY We report a case of 12-year-old boy with presumptive diagnosis of Crohn disease (CD) that presented with several months of abdominal pain, weight loss and bloody diarrhea. Colonoscopy showed patchy moderate inflammation characterized by erythema and numerous pseudopolyps involving the terminal ileum, cecum, and ascending colon. Histologic sections from the colon biopsy revealed diffuse cellular infiltrate within the lamina propria with scattered histiocytic aggregates, and occasional non-necrotizing granulomas. Grocott-Gomori’s Methenamine Silver staining confirmed the presence of numerous yeast forms suggestive of Histoplasma spp., further confirmed with positive urine Histoplasma antigen (6.58 ng/mL, range 0.2-20 ng/mL) and serum immunoglobulin G antibodies to Histoplasma (35.9 EU, range 10.0-80.0 EU). Intravenous amphotericin was administered then transitioned to oral itraconazole. Follow-up computed tomography imaging showed a left lower lung nodule and mesenteric lymphadenopathy consistent with disseminated histoplasmosis infection.
CONCLUSION Gastrointestinal involvement with H. capsulatum with no accompanying respiratory symptoms is exceedingly rare and recognition is often delayed due to the overlapping clinical manifestations of IBD. This case illustrates the importance of excluding infectious etiologies in patients with “biopsy-proven” CD prior to initiating immunosuppressive therapies. Communication between clinicians and pathologists is crucial as blood cultures and antigen testing are key studies that should be performed in all suspected cases of histoplasmosis to avoid misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Quinn Miller
- Department of Pathology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
| | - Omer A M Saeed
- Department of Pathology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
| | - Katrina Collins
- Department of Pathology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
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Maul J. Rheumatologische Erkrankungen und der
Gastrointestinaltrakt. AKTUEL RHEUMATOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1055/a-1638-7663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
ZusammenfassungDie meisten rheumatologischen Krankheitsbilder können Einfluss auf den
Gastrointestinaltrakt haben. Dabei können intestinale Manifestationen
(z. B. rheumatoide Vaskulitis, IgG4-assoziierte Pankreatitis,
IgG4-assoziierte Cholangitis, Lupus-Enteritis, Polyarteriitis nodosa, Purpura
Schoenlein-Henoch, nekrotisierende Vaskulitis), assoziierte intestinale
Erkrankungen (chronisch-entzündliche Darmerkrankungen (CED),
Zöliakie) und intestinale Komplikationen der rheumatologischen
Erkrankung (z. B. Amyloidose, erosive Refluxerkrankung bei Sklerodermie)
bzw. ihrer Behandlung (z. B. NSAR-Magenulcus, MTX-Mukositis,
Soor-Ösophagitis, intestinale Tuberkulose, ulzerierende
HSV-Ösophagitis, CMV-Kolitis) voneinander abgegrenzt werden. Dadurch
kommen gastrointestinale Symptome bei Patienten mit rheumatologischen
Erkrankungen sehr häufig vor. Die Diagnosestellung (er)fordert
Gastroenterologen im interdisziplinären Behandlungsnetzwerk mit
Rheumatologen. Insbesondere bei Behandlung von CED ergeben sich für die
überschneidenden Zulassungsindikationen der zur Verfügung
stehenden Medikamente in der interdisziplinären Absprache zwischen
Rheumatologen und Gastroenterologen synergistische Behandlungsoptionen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jochen Maul
- Medizinische Klinik für Gastroenterologie, Infektiologie und
Rheumatologie, Charite Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin,
Deutschland
- MVZ für Gastroenterologie am Bayerischen Platz, Berlin,
Deutschland
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Craviotto V, Furfaro F, Loy L, Zilli A, Peyrin-Biroulet L, Fiorino G, Danese S, Allocca M. Viral infections in inflammatory bowel disease: Tips and tricks for correct management. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:4276-4297. [PMID: 34366605 PMCID: PMC8316900 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i27.4276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past decades, the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) has become more targeted, anticipating the use of immune-modifying therapies at an earlier stage. This top-down approach has been correlated with favorable short and long-term outcomes, but it has also brought with it concerns regarding potential infectious complications. This large IBD population treated with immune-modifying therapies, especially if combined, has an increased risk of severe infections, including opportunistic infections that are sustained by viral, bacterial, parasitic, and fungal agents. Viral infections have emerged as a focal safety concern in patients with IBD, representing a challenge for the clinician: they are often difficult to diagnose and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The first step is to improve effective preventive strategies, such as applying vaccination protocols, adopt adequate prophylaxis and educate patients about potential risk factors. Since viral infections in immunosuppressed patients may present atypical signs and symptoms, the challenges for the gastroenterologist are to suspect, recognize and diagnose such complications. Appropriate treatment of common viral infections allows us to minimize their impact on disease outcomes and patients’ lives. This practical review supports this standard of care to improve knowledge in this subject area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Craviotto
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS, Rozzano 20089, Milano, Italy
| | - Federica Furfaro
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS, Rozzano 20089, Milano, Italy
| | - Laura Loy
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS, Rozzano 20089, Milano, Italy
| | - Alessandra Zilli
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS, Rozzano 20089, Milano, Italy
| | - Laurent Peyrin-Biroulet
- Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology and Inserm U954, University Hospital of Nancy, Lorraine University, Nancy 54511, France
| | - Gionata Fiorino
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS, Rozzano 20089, Milano, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele 20090, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvio Danese
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS, Rozzano 20089, Milano, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele 20090, Milano, Italy
| | - Mariangela Allocca
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS, Rozzano 20089, Milano, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele 20090, Milano, Italy
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6
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Shojaei E, Walsh JC, Sangle N, Yan B, Silverman MS, Hosseini-Moghaddam SM. Gastrointestinal Histoplasmosis Mimicking Crohn's Disease. Open Forum Infect Dis 2021; 8:ofab249. [PMID: 34262987 PMCID: PMC8274358 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofab249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Disseminated histoplasmosis is a life-threatening disease usually seen in immunocompromised patients living in endemic areas. We present an apparently immunocompetent patient with gastrointestinal histoplasmosis who was initially diagnosed with biopsy-proven Crohn's disease. Following discontinuation of anti-inflammatory drugs and institution of antifungal therapy, his gastrointestinal illness completely improved. Specific fungal staining should be routinely included in histopathologic assessment of tissue specimens diagnosed as Crohn's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esfandiar Shojaei
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joanna C Walsh
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, London Health Sciences Centre, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nikhil Sangle
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, London Health Sciences Centre, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brian Yan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, London Health Sciences Centre, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael S Silverman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Seyed M Hosseini-Moghaddam
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Rizza S, Mistrangelo M, Ribaldone DG, Morino M, Astegiano M, Saracco GM, Pellicano R. Proctitis: a glance beyond inflammatory bowel diseases. MINERVA GASTROENTERO 2020; 66:252-266. [PMID: 32218425 DOI: 10.23736/s1121-421x.20.02670-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Proctitis is an inflammation involving the anus and the distal part of the rectum, frequently diagnosed in the context of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Nevertheless, when the standard therapy for IBD is ineffective, it becomes necessary for the clinician to review alternative etiologies, beginning from the broad chapter of infectious causes up to rare causes such as radiation, ischemia, diversion and traumatisms. While it is possible to find infectious proctitides caused by pathogens generally inducing extensive colitis, the growing incidence of both sexually transmitted infections and isolated proctitis reported in the recent years require a lot of attention. The risk appears to be higher in individuals participating in anal intercourse, especially men having sex with men (MSM) or subjects who use sex toys and participate to sex parties, dark rooms and so on. The commonest implicated pathogens are Neysseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Herpes Simplex virus and Treponema pallidum. Herpes and Chlamydia infections mainly occur in HIV-positive MSM patients. Since symptoms and signs are common independently from etiology, performing a differential diagnosis based on clinical manifestations is complicated. Therefore, the diagnosis is supported by the combination of clinical history and physical examination and, secondly, by endoscopic, serologic and microbiologic findings. Particular emphasis should be given to simultaneous infections by multiple organisms. The involvement of experts in infectious diseases and in sexual health is crucial for the diagnostic and therapeutic management. The available therapies, empirically initiated or specific, in many cases are able to guarantee a good prognosis and to prevent relapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Rizza
- Unit of Gastroenterology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Davide G Ribaldone
- Unit of Gastroenterology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Mario Morino
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Marco Astegiano
- Unit of Gastroenterology, Molinette Hospital, Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy
| | - Giorgio M Saracco
- Unit of Gastroenterology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Unit of Gastroenterology, Molinette Hospital, Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy
| | - Rinaldo Pellicano
- Unit of Gastroenterology, Molinette Hospital, Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy -
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Inflammatory pseudotumor associated with HSV infection of rectal vascular endothelium in a patient with HIV: a case report and literature review. BMC Infect Dis 2020; 20:234. [PMID: 32192456 PMCID: PMC7082974 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-020-04960-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Herpes simplex virus (HSV) typically infects oral or anogenital squamous epithelium and causes blisters and ulcerations. Here we reported an unusual case of HSV induced exuberant rectal inflammatory pseudotumor with vascular endothelial involvement. CASE PRESENTATIONS A 52-year old man with HIV presented with abdominal pain, rectal drainage and constipation. Proctoscopy and CT scans revealed an 8 × 5 × 4 cm circumferential, mid-lower rectal mass that was concerning for malignancy. PET-CT showed mild to moderate FDG uptake of the rectal mass. Repeated biopsies showed exuberant lymphoplasmacytic inflammation with rich eosinophils and necrosis in the submucosa and scattered single or multi-nucleated viral inclusions in vascular endothelial cells that were positive for HSV by immunostains. There was no evidence of malignancy on histology or by immunostains. The patient started valacyclovir for three weeks and symptoms resolved after the antiviral therapy. Follow-up CT and sigmoidoscopy with biopsy revealed no rectal mass or drainable collection. CONCLUSIONS HSV may present as proctitis with exuberant inflammatory response and mass-like lesion, and damages vascular endothelial cells in patients with HIV. The HSV-associated mass-like lesion can be effectively treated by 3-week valacyclovir.
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