An Atypical Case of Leishmaniasis Associated with Chronic Duodenitis in a Dog.

We describe an atypical case of duodenal leishmaniasis in a boxer dog presenting with chronic diarrhea and poor general condition. Antidiarrheic therapy was previously administered without success and inflammatory bowel disease localized to the small intestine was suspected, given the chronic clinical signs and by ruling out other known causes of gastrointestinal inflammation. Endoscopic biopsy of duodenum showed a moderate increase in lamina propria lymphocytes, plasma cells, and macrophages. Basophilic bodies were seen in the cytoplasm of numerous macrophages, suggestive of Leishmania spp, confirmed by immunostaining, and a diagnosis of granulomatous duodenitis associated to Leishmania infection was made. After 7 mo of therapy, a significant clinical improvement and weight gain were observed, and endoscopic histology showed no evidence of Leishmania. A progressive decline of anti-leishmanial antibody titer was also observed during follow-up. This report emphasizes the importance of atypical symptoms and the unusual location of visceral leishmaniasis, suggesting the need to consider leishmaniasis in the differential diagnosis of canine chronic enteritis, especially in endemic areas.

Diffuse nodular duodenitis in a woman presenting with dyspepsia and weight loss.

Duodenal nodularity is an uncommon endoscopic finding charac-trized by numerous visible mucosal nodules in the duodenum. It is important to consider giardiasis in patients with symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, anorexia, diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss and abdominal distension. It is also important to remind giardiasis in patients with duodenal nodularity.

Hyperinfection strongyloidiasis in renal transplant recipients.

Strongyloidiasis is infection caused by the nematode Strongyloides stercoralis. Chronic uncomplicated strongyloidiasis is known to occur in immunocompetent individuals while hyperinfection and dissemination occurs in selective immunosuppressed hosts particularly those on corticosteroid therapy. We report two cases of hyperinfection strongyloidiasis in renal transplant recipients and document endoscopic and pathological changes in the involved small bowel. One patient presented with features of dehydration and malnutrition while another developed ileal obstruction and strangulation, requiring bowel resection. Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy showed erythematous and thickened duodenal mucosal folds. Histopathological examination of duodenal biopsies revealed S. stercoralis worms, larvae and eggs embedded in mucosa and submucosa. Wet mount stool preparation showed filariform larvae of S. stercoralis in both cases. Patients were managed with anthelmintic therapy (ivermectin/albendazole) and concurrent reduction of immunosuppression. Both patients had uneventful recovery. Complicated strongyloidiasis should be suspected in immunocompromised hosts who present with abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea, particularly in endemic areas.

[Common variable immunodeficiency: digestive involvement of a systemic disease]. / Inmunodeficiencia variable común: afectación digestiva de un trastorno sistémico.

Common variable immunodeficiency is characterized by a primary deficiency in antibody production that is clinically manifested by respiratory recurrent infections and gastrointestinal diseases (infectious, inflammatory and neoplastic). Above 50% of the patients have diarrhea and 10% develop idiopathic malabsorption and weight loss. We present the case of a 34-year-old woman submitted to our service for chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain and bloating and history of recurrent respiratory infections since childhood. The laboratory assessment showed severe hypoproteinemia and confirmed low IgG, IgA and IgM levels. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and videocapsule endoscopy showed a nodular duodenum with multiple polypoid-like formations all through the small bowel. Histology confirmed chronic duodenitis and Giardia lamblia infection. With the diagnosis of common variable immunodeficiency, monthly intravenous gammaglobulin infusion was initiated and metronidazole was indicated for Giardia lamblia infection achieving excellent clinical and laboratory response.

Inmunodeficiencia variable común: afectación digestiva de un trastorno sistémico. / [Common variable immunodeficiency: digestive involvement of a systemic disease].

Common variable immunodeficiency is characterized by a primary deficiency in antibody production that is clinically manifested by respiratory recurrent infections and gastrointestinal diseases (infectious, inflammatory and neoplastic). Above 50

of the patients have diarrhea and 10

develop idiopathic malabsorption and weight loss. We present the case of a 34-year-old woman submitted to our service for chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain and bloating and history of recurrent respiratory infections since childhood. The laboratory assessment showed severe hypoproteinemia and confirmed low IgG, IgA and IgM levels. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and videocapsule endoscopy showed a nodular duodenum with multiple polypoid-like formations all through the small bowel. Histology confirmed chronic duodenitis and Giardia lamblia infection. With the diagnosis of common variable immunodeficiency, monthly intravenous gammaglobulin infusion was initiated and metronidazole was indicated for Giardia lamblia infection achieving excellent clinical and laboratory response.

Inmunodeficiencia variable común: afectación digestiva de un trastorno sistémico / [Common variable immunodeficiency: digestive involvement of a systemic disease].

Common variable immunodeficiency is characterized by a primary deficiency in antibody production that is clinically manifested by respiratory recurrent infections and gastrointestinal diseases (infectious, inflammatory and neoplastic). Above 50

of the patients have diarrhea and 10

develop idiopathic malabsorption and weight loss. We present the case of a 34-year-old woman submitted to our service for chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain and bloating and history of recurrent respiratory infections since childhood. The laboratory assessment showed severe hypoproteinemia and confirmed low IgG, IgA and IgM levels. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and videocapsule endoscopy showed a nodular duodenum with multiple polypoid-like formations all through the small bowel. Histology confirmed chronic duodenitis and Giardia lamblia infection. With the diagnosis of common variable immunodeficiency, monthly intravenous gammaglobulin infusion was initiated and metronidazole was indicated for Giardia lamblia infection achieving excellent clinical and laboratory response.

Clinical, endoscopic and histopathological profiles of parasitic duodenitis cases diagnosed by upper digestive endoscopy.

CONTEXT: Intestinal parasites induce detectable histopathological changes, which have been studied in groups with known diagnosis of parasitic disease. There is no available study with a larger base without previous diagnosis. OBJECTIVE: To describe clinical and histopathological findings of parasitosis diagnosed by endoscopic biopsy in patients submitted to upper digestive endoscopy. METHODS: Recorded biopsies archive at "Complexo Hospitalar Professor Edgar Santos" , a general teaching Hospital in the state of Bahia, Northeast Brazil, from January 1995 to January 2009, were reviewed. One thousand ten duodenal biopsy reports were found. Reports positive for parasites had their specimens reviewed and photographed. All blocks of biopsy selected as case were retrieved and reviewed by an experienced pathologist. Clinical, laboratorial and endoscopic data were collected. RESULTS: Eleven biopsies showed parasites, including cases of Cryptosporidium sp. and Strongyloides stercoralis. Vomiting (91%), abdominal pain (78%), diarrhea (78%) and weight loss (78%) were usual symptoms. Seventy-five percent had duodenal mucosa changes on endoscopy, while 25% have no changes. Anemia and low serum albumin were important laboratorial data. HIV infection association was observed. Villus atrophy and reactive epithelium were usual in Strongyloides cases. CONCLUSIONS: No endoscopic or histopathologic finding was pathognomonic. One percent of duodenal endoscopic biopsies showed parasites.

Clinical, endoscopic and histopathological profiles of parasitic duodenitis cases diagnosed by upper digestive endoscopy / Perfil clínico, endoscópico e histopatológico de casos de duodenite parasitária diagnosticados por endoscopia digestiva alta

CONTEXT: Intestinal parasites induce detectable histopathological changes, which have been studied in groups with known diagnosis of parasitic disease. There is no available study with a larger base without previous diagnosis. OBJECTIVE: To describe clinical and histopathological findings of parasitosis diagnosed by endoscopic biopsy in patients submitted to upper digestive endoscopy. METHODS: Recorded biopsies archive at "Complexo Hospitalar Professor Edgar Santos" , a general teaching Hospital in the state of Bahia, Northeast Brazil, from January 1995 to January 2009, were reviewed. One thousand ten duodenal biopsy reports were found. Reports positive for parasites had their specimens reviewed and photographed. All blocks of biopsy selected as case were retrieved and reviewed by an experienced pathologist. Clinical, laboratorial and endoscopic data were collected. RESULTS: Eleven biopsies showed parasites, including cases of Cryptosporidium sp. and Strongyloides stercoralis. Vomiting (91 percent), abdominal pain (78 percent), diarrhea (78 percent) and weight loss (78 percent) were usual symptoms. Seventy-five percent had duodenal mucosa changes on endoscopy, while 25 percent have no changes. Anemia and low serum albumin were important laboratorial data. HIV infection association was observed. Villus atrophy and reactive epithelium were usual in Strongyloides cases. CONCLUSIONS: No endoscopic or histopathologic finding was pathognomonic. One percent of duodenal endoscopic biopsies showed parasites.

CONTEXTO: Parasitas intestinais podem induzir alterações histopatológicas, que têm sido estudadas em subgrupos com diagnóstico firmado de parasitose. Não há estudo disponível com base mais ampla, sem diagnóstico prévio. OBJETIVO: Descrever os achados clínicos e histopatológicos de parasitoses diagnosticadas por biopsia em pacientes submetidos a endoscopia digestiva alta. MÉTODO: Laudos de biopsias realizadas de janeiro de 1995 a janeiro de 2009, no Complexo Hospitalar Professor Edgar Santos, hospital geral universitário localizado no nordeste brasileiro, foram revisados. Mil e dez laudos de biopsia duodenal foram revistos. Biopsias positivas para parasitas tiveram suas lâminas revisadas e fotografadas. Todos os blocos de biopsia selecionados como casos foram recuperados e revisados por experiente patologista. Dados clínicos, laboratoriais e endoscópicos foram coletados. RESULTADOS: Onze biopsias mostraram parasitas, incluindo casos de Cryptosporidium sp. e Strongyloides stercoralis. Vômitos (91 por cento), dor abdominal (78 por cento), diarreia (78 por cento) e perda ponderal (78 por cento) foram sintomas comuns. Setenta e cinco por cento apresentaram alterações na mucosa duodenal à endoscopia, enquanto 25 por cento não apresentaram modificações. Anemia e hipoalbuminemia foram importantes dados laboratoriais. Foi observada associação com infecção pelo HIV. Atrofia de vilosidades e epitélio reativo foram comuns nos casos de S. stercoralis. CONCLUSÕES: Nenhum achado endoscópico ou histopatológico foi patognomônico. Um por cento das biopsias duodenais por via endoscópica mostraram parasitas.

Strongyloides duodenitis: case report and review of literature.

Strongyloides stercoralis affects 30 to 100 million people worldwide and is a common cause of abdominal pain and diarrhea. Strongyloidiasis is a chronic and limited disease; however, in immunocompromised patients, hyperinfection syndrome can occur. Diagnosing strongyloidiasis early is important, as almost all deaths due to helminths in the United States are due to S stercoralis hyperinfection. Patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) do not appear to be at an increased risk for S stercoralis hyperinfection. We report a case of an HIV-infected Hispanic woman presenting with dyspepsia, emesis, abdominal pain, and diarrhea diagnosed with S stercoralis on an esophagogastroduodenoscopy biopsy of the duodenum. The diagnostic workup had been inconclusive and deciding to biopsy the small bowel based on the nonerythematous boggy appearance of the duodenal folds was the key step in making the correct diagnosis. Early diagnosis and treatment thwarted the developing hyperinfection syndrome and likely prevented further morbidity and probably saved her life.

Duodenitis por strongyloides stercoralis simulando lesion polipoide de duodeno / Strongyloides stercoralis Duodenitis by simulating polypoid lesion of duodenum

La Strongyloidiasis es una parasitosis intestinal producida por un nematodo de distribución mundial, es endémica en zonas tropicales, el parasito penetra a través de los pies en forma de larva filariforme presente en suelos infectados. Puede presentar manifestaciones Dermatológicas, Respiratorias y Gastrointestinales, siendo estas ultimas de variado espectro, que van desde síntomas vagos e inespecíficos hasta Enteritis Invasiva. Los métodos convencionales de examen de heces seriados o radiología no son lo suficientemente sensibles ni específicos. La endoscopia ha aumentado la posibilidad de hacer mejores diagnósticos, así como la biopsia gástrica y duodenal; de hecho se considera a los hallazgos endoscópicos como marcadores de severidad de la infección. Presentamos el caso de un paciente con síntomas dispépticos y hallazgos endoscópicos e histológicos de Duodenitis por Strongyloides Stercoralis. El paciente recibió tratamiento con Ivermectina.

The intestinal strongyloidiasis is a parasitic disease caused by a global distribution nematode endemic in tropical areas, penetrates through the feet in the form of larvae present in infested soil filariform. May present with dermatological, respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, the latter being varied spectrum of symptoms ranging from vague to invasive enteritis. Conventional methods of serial stool examination, radiology are not sensitive enough nor specific. Endoscopy has increased the possibility of better diagnosis, as well as gastric and duodenal biopsy, in fact considered the endoscopic findings as markers of severity of infection. We report the case of a patient with dyspeptic symptoms with endoscopic and histological findings of Duodenitis for Strongyloides Stercoralis. He was treated with Ivermectin.

[Gastrointestinal giardiasis associated with Helicobacter pylori].

The study involved 160 patients with chronic cholecystitis associated with chronic gastroduodenitis. Obtaining biopsy specimens of gastric mucosa and bile samples allowed to compare the microbial picture and the morphological structure of gastric mucosa in the same patient, to identify patterns of colonization of the stomach, 12 duodenal ulcer and gall bladder various microorganisms. At cytological examination was detected in the gall bladder G. lamblia in 47.5 +/- 3.95% of cases in the stomach--in 29.09 +/- 6.12% of cases. The frequency of H. pylori detection in biopsy of gastric mucosa amounted to 98.18 +/- 1.8% of cases, in 12-duodenum--93.75 +/- 1.9%, in the gall bladder--to 54.38 +/- 3.94%, in the bile duct--in 54.38 +/- 3.94%. It was found strict association between the detection of H. pylori and G. lamblia in the stomach--100% of H. pylori-infection combined with giardiasis. Morphological changes of gastric mucosa in the form of lymphoid infiltration detected mainly in the mixed-infection H. pylori and G. lamblia.

Do scattered white spots in the duodenum mark a specific gastrointestinal pathology?

OBJECTIVE: To discover whether scattered white spots (SWS) in the duodenum are related to a specific kind of disease. We also scrutinized other upper endoscopic findings which might be associated with SWS. METHODS: Among the patients who were admitted for upper gastrointestinal system endoscopy, those having the endoscopic appearance of SWS in duodenum were enrolled in this study. In total 107 patients [70 women, 37 men, mean age: 51.6 +/- 16.88 years (range: 17-82 years)] were included. At least three duodenal biopsies were taken from each patient and histopathological examinations were done by experienced pathologists. RESULTS: The histopathological examination revealed that 39 (36.4%) patients had intestinal lymphangiectasia (IL), 15 (14%) patients had giardiasis (G) and 30 (28.1%) patients had chronic non-specific duodenitis (CD). Two patients with IL were also found to have G. Twenty patients had both IL and CD. One had both G and CD. G was the least common etiology for SWS in the duodenum. The most common reasons for SWS in the duodenum in this study group were IL and CD, in order of decreasing frequency. There was no significant relationship with the other upper endoscopic findings in all these patients. CONCLUSION: Histopathological examinations should be provided for each patient with SWS in the duodenum to assess the etiology.

Endoscopic and histopathological study on the duodenum of Strongyloides stercoralis hyperinfection.

AIM: To investigate endoscopic and histopathological findings in the duodenum of patients with Strongyloides stercoralis (S. stercoralis) hyperinfection. METHODS: Over a period of 23 years (1984-2006), we investigated 25 patients with S. stercoralis hyperinfection who had had an esophagogastroduodenoscopy before undergoing treatment for strongyloidiasis. The clinical and endoscopic findings were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: Twenty-four (96%) of the patients investigated were under immunocompromised condition which was mainly due to a human T lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) infection. The abnormal endoscopic findings, mainly edematous mucosa, white villi and erythematous mucosa, were observed in 23 (92%) patients. The degree of duodenitis including villous atrophy/destruction and inflammatory cell infiltration corresponded to the severity of the endoscopic findings. The histopathologic yield for identifying larvae was 71.4% by duodenal biopsy. The endoscopic findings of duodenitis were more severe in patients whose biopsies were positive for larvae than those whose biopsies were negative (Endoscopic severity score: 4.86 +/- 2.47 vs 2.71 +/- 1.38, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study clearly demonstrates that, in addition to stool analysis, endoscopic observation and biopsies are very important. We also emphasize that S. stercoralis and HTLV-1 infections should be ruled out before immunosuppressive therapy is administered in endemic regions.

[Giardia lamblia and duodenal involvement]. / Giardia lamblia si afectarea duodenului.

UNLABELLED: Giardia lamblia (GL) is one of the causes of diarrhoea. GL is a frequent parasite in our country. In the literature, endoscopic aspects of Giardia duodenitis are mentioned. Some authors tried even to make the diagnosis on endoscopic criteria. AIM: The purpose of the study is to find the endoscopic and histopathology changes produced by giardiasis. METHODS: 214 patients entered this study and underwent upper digestive endoscopy. Duodenal and gastric multiple biopsies were taken. Biopsies were stained with hematoxylin-eosine for Helicobacter pylori and Giemsa for Giardia lamblia. CP-test was also performed for Helicobacter and duodenal aspirate for giardiasis. RESULTS: The results indicates a high incidence of endoscopic and histopathology duodenitis in patients with giardiasis. The whitish spots on the erythematous duodenitis (60, 46%) and concentric ex-ulcerations (4, 16%) might be considered specific. On histology samples all the cases presented duodenitis, the first degree duodenitis was the most common (76, 63%). CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that there are specific endoscopic and histopathology features of giardiasis.

[Pseudo acute pancreatitis: a syndrome mimicked by a multiple parasitic duodenitis. Analysis of 7 case]. / Pseudo-Pancreatitis Aguda Edematosa: síndrome mimetizado por una duodenitis parasitaria múltiple. Análisis de 7 casos.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this presentation was to analyze a clinical syndrome characterized by repeated episodes of upper abdominal pain, markedly increased levels of both total amylase and lipase, but with normal values of pancreatic isoamylase. Besides, with the lack of morphologic changes of the pancreatic gland, either by ultrasound, abdominal tomography, or Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. MATERIAL, METHODS AND RESULTS: Five female and two male patients, with an average age of 51 +/- 3 were studied. All had been diagnosed as having acute edematous pancreatitis (ranson score < 3). Laboratory tests had disclosed eosinophilia (5-30%); total amylasemia (1547 +/- 398 UA/l); lipasemia (857 +/- 499 UBL/L); normal pancreatic isoamylase (72 +/- 18 UA/L). Upper endoscopy showed nonspecific signs of duodenitis sometimes with duodenal erosions. Collection studies, pre and post Sorbitol, disclosed an unexpected multiple parasitic infestation, e.g.: giardias, ascaris, amoeba, hymenolepis nana. This finding was always suggestively associated with abundant sludge (bilirrubinate cholesterol and oxalate crystals). All patients, after having been submitted to the appropriate antiparasitic medication, were rapidly relieved of their symptoms and remained free of episodes of abdominal pain. CONCLUSIONS: When the fact that all our patients had normal pancreatic isoamylase levels and lack of any morphologic distortion of the pancreatic parenchyma is associated to the notion that total amylase and lipase may have as a source the gastrointestinal mucosa, it appears as a logical inference that the clinical syndrome here discussed is indeed primarily a reflection of an extrapancreatic disease, essentially of parasitic duodenitis.

Pseudo-Pancreatitis Aguda Edematosa: sindrome mimetizado por una duodenitis parasitaria multiple. Analisis de 7 casos / Pseudo acute pancreatitis: a syndrome mimicked by a multiple parasitic duodenitis. Analysis of 7 case

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this presentation was to analyze a clinical syndrome characterized by repeated episodes of upper abdominal pain, markedly increased levels of both total amylase and lipase, but with normal values of pancreatic isoamylase. Besides, with the lack of morphologic changes of the pancreatic gland, either by ultrasound, abdominal tomography, or Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. MATERIAL, METHODS AND RESULTS: Five female and two male patients, with an average age of 51 +/- 3 were studied. All had been diagnosed as having acute edematous pancreatitis (ranson score < 3). Laboratory tests had disclosed eosinophilia (5-30 percent); total amylasemia (1547 +/- 398 UA/l); lipasemia (857 +/- 499 UBL/L); normal pancreatic isoamylase (72 +/- 18 UA/L). Upper endoscopy showed nonspecific signs of duodenitis sometimes with duodenal erosions. Collection studies, pre and post Sorbitol, disclosed an unexpected multiple parasitic infestation, e.g.: giardias, ascaris, amoeba, hymenolepis nana. This finding was always suggestively associated with abundant sludge (bilirrubinate cholesterol and oxalate crystals). All patients, after having been submitted to the appropriate antiparasitic medication, were rapidly relieved of their symptoms and remained free of episodes of abdominal pain. CONCLUSIONS: When the fact that all our patients had normal pancreatic isoamylase levels and lack of any morphologic distortion of the pancreatic parenchyma is associated to the notion that total amylase and lipase may have as a source the gastrointestinal mucosa, it appears as a logical inference that the clinical syndrome here discussed is indeed primarily a reflection of an extrapancreatic disease, essentially of parasitic duodenitis. (Au)

[Polyneuropathy caused by vitamin B12 deficiency secondary to chronic atrophic gastritis and giardiasis]. / Polineuropatía por déficit de vitamina B12 secundaria a gastritis crónica atrófica y giardiasis.

INTRODUCTION: In chronic atrophic gastritis atrophy of the stomach glands leads to intrinsic factor deficit, with consequent failure to absorb vitamin B12 and gastric achylia, which predisposes to Giardia infection which in itself leads to depletion of vitamin B12. We describe the case of a patient with peripheral and central nervous system pathology due to lack of vitamin B12 secondary to the combined effect of these two disorders. CLINICAL CASE: A 54 year old woman consulted us for paraesthesia and weakness of the legs which had been progressive for the previous two years. She presented with tactile hypoaesthesia, hypoparaesthesia, distal hyperreflexia and dysymmetry of the legs, ataxic-spastic gait and a positive Romberg sign. The investigations carried out showed the serum vitamin B12 level to be 3 pg/ml (N: 180-900), hemoglobin 13 g/dl and MCV 111 fl with MCHC 348/dl; neurophysiological studies: compatible with demyelinating motor polyneuropathy. Schilling test: deficit of absorption of vitamin B12 which was corrected on administration of intrinsic factor; gastroscopy; atrophic gastritis which confirmed the morbid anatomy findings. There was also flora containing Helicobacter and massive Giardia infection. Replacement and antibiotic therapy was followed by complete remission of the clinical picture. CONCLUSION: We emphasize the excellent clinical response to treatment in spite of the time elapsed since onset of symptoms.