Lymphocytic colitis presenting as difficult diarrhoea in an African woman: a case report and review of the literature.
BACKGROUND
Lymphocytic colitis is an uncommon intestinal disorder that presents with chronic diarrhoea. It is treatable, but in the developing world, its diagnosis may often prove difficult. Data and reports of this condition in Africa are scarce because most medical centres lack a functional gastrointestinal endoscopy unit that would aid in the diagnosis.


METHODS
We present the case of a 53-year-old Nigerian woman with pathogen-negative chronic diarrhoea and a family history of chronic diarrhoea. She responded well to treatment after colonoscopy and colonic biopsy successfully diagnosed her illness.


CONCLUSIONS
Referral of patients with pathogen-negative chronic diarrhoea to medical centres that have facilities for colonoscopy and biopsy is important in the developing world.
Ekrikpo
Udeme E
UE
Department of Medicine, University College Hospital, PMB 5116, Ibadan, Nigeria. udekrikpo@yahoo.com.
Otegbayo
Jesse A
JA
Oluwasola
Abideen O
AO