[Surprising findings in the colon 15 years after a holiday in Africa].
METHODS
A 65-year-old woman was admitted to hospital with abdominal discomfort for several years. Travel history revealed two 4-week stays in Mwanza/Tanzania 15 and 17 years earlier.


METHODS
Laboratory tests showed eosinophilia and an increase of IgE and antibodies against Schistosoma mansoni (IHA, EIA). Stool was negative for worm eggs. Colonoscopy revealed in several parts small nodules and increased vascularisation. Histology showed granulomas and eggs of Schistosoma mansoni.


METHODS
Anthelmintic therapy with praziquantel was given. After that the patient was well. One year later, follow-up endoscopy and histology were the same as previously. Another course of Praziquantel was given. A year later the patient was still well.


CONCLUSIONS
Even after several years the rare case of intestinal schistosomiasis should be considered in patients with a history of travel in endemic regions. In case of negative stool specimen biopsies of the colon and rectum should be taken.
Köppen
S
S
Medizinische Klinik, Klinikum Minden. s.koeppen@gmx.de
Kellner
U
U
Huchzermeyer
H
H
D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000469:parasitology*; D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D000871:Anthelmintics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000909:Antibodies, Helminth / Q000097:blood; D003106:Colon / Q000469:parasitology* / Q000473:pathology; D003113:Colonoscopy; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000096:biosynthesis; D011223:Praziquantel / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012008:Recurrence; D012550:Schistosoma mansoni / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification; D012555:Schistosomiasis mansoni / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D013636:Tanzania; D013997:Time Factors; D014195:Travel
D000871:Anthelmintics; D000909:Antibodies, Helminth; D007073:Immunoglobulin E; D011223:Praziquantel