Intestinal schistosomiasis masquerading as intestinal polyps

BMC Infect Dis. 2021 May 8;21(1):434. doi: 10.1186/s12879-021-06125-4.

Abstract

Background: Schistosomiasis is very common in the southern part of the Yangtze River Basin in China. It is mainly manifested as appendicitis, ulcers, hematomas, and thickening of the intestinal tract. Schistosomiasis of the appendix is rare, mainly manifested as appendicitis, which is easy to be misdiagnosed.

Case presentation: Here we report a rare case of a Chinese female whose intestinal mass manifested as intestinal polyps and was eventually diagnosed pathologically as schistosomiasis infection (appendix schistosomiasis). So far, there are rare relevant cases reported.

Conclusions: Intestinal schistosomiasis is easily misdiagnosed, and appendix schistosomiasis is rare. The final diagnosis requires pathology, especially surgical pathology.

Keywords: Intestinal polyps; Intestinal schistosomiasis; Schistosomal appendicitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Appendix / microbiology
  • China
  • Colonoscopy
  • Diagnostic Errors
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Polyps / pathology
  • Schistosomiasis / diagnosis*
  • Schistosomiasis / pathology