Gastrointestinal Histoplasmosis as an Obstructing Ileocecal Mass

Cureus. 2020 Dec 25;12(12):e12277. doi: 10.7759/cureus.12277.

Abstract

Histoplasmosis is a self-limiting and asymptomatic disease in immunocompetent individuals. Patients in an immunocompromised state are susceptible to disseminated disease. We present a case of a 60-year-old male with a history of psoriatic and rheumatoid arthritis treated with a tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (adalimumab), who presented with abdominal pain and was found to have gastrointestinal histoplasmosis as an obstructing ileocecal mass. Although gastrointestinal involvement is common in disseminating disease, symptomatic involvement is rare. This case presentation has implications in rheumatological patients on biologic medications.

Keywords: biologic agents; disseminated histoplasmosis; gastrointestinal histoplasmosis; ileocecal mass; small bowel obstruction; tumor necrosis factor inhibitor medications.

Publication types

  • Case Reports