scholarly journals Lower Gastrointestinal Syphilis: Case Series and Literature Review

Author(s):  
Elizabeth Ferzacca ◽  
Andrea Barbieri ◽  
Lydia Barakat ◽  
Maria C Olave ◽  
Dana Dunne

Abstract Background Syphilis infections are increasing globally. Lower gastrointestinal syphilis (LGIS) is a rare manifestation of early syphilis transmitted through anal sexual contact. Misdiagnosis of LGIS as inflammatory bowel disease may result from clinician under-awareness. Methods We searched the literature for articles describing cases of LGIS, and identified additional cases diagnosed within our institution. Data were extracted from the articles and medical records and analyzed to provide a summative account. Results 54 cases of LGIS were identified in 39 articles published between 1958 and 2020. 8 additional cases were diagnosed at our institution between 2011 and 2020, totaling 62 cases. All cases were described in men and transwomen aged 15 to 73 years. 50 (93%) individuals endorsed having sex with men. In 26 cases (52%) individuals were HIV co-infected. LGIS presented most commonly with hematochezia (67%) and anal pain (46%). The most common physical exam findings were rectal mass (38%), lymphadenopathy (31%), and rash (26%). Non-treponemal titers ranged from 1:2-1:1024. Of the 52 cases in which endoscopy was reported, 22 (42%) showed anorectal mass and 18 (35%) showed anorectal ulcer. In 44 cases (75%), histopathology revealed a chronic inflammatory infiltrate with a prominent lymphocyte component (45%) and/or plasma cells (36%). 78% of specimens to which a tissue stain was applied were positive for spirochetes. Conclusions LGIS should be suspected in men and transwomen presenting with a lower gastrointestinal symptom or mucosal abnormality. A sexual history must be elicited and guide testing. Misdiagnosis can delay treatment and threatens patient and public health.

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S772-S773
Author(s):  
Elizabeth S Ferzacca ◽  
Dana Dunne ◽  
Andrea Barbieri ◽  
Lydia Aoun-Barakat

Abstract Background In the US, syphilis infections have increased 71% since 2014. Proctitis is a rare manifestation of early syphilis transmitted through anal intercourse. We suspect that its misdiagnosis results from physician under-awareness and thus we present the largest case analysis to date of syphilis proctitis. Methods We searched PubMed and Scopus for articles describing cases of proctitis in which Treponema pallidum was a likely causative pathogen based on serologies, and/or organism-specific staining of anorectal biopsy specimens. Furthermore, we conducted chart review to identify cases of syphilis proctitis diagnosed within our health center from 2011-2019. Pertinent data were extracted from the articles and medical records and analyzed to provide a summative account. Results 53 cases of syphilis proctitis were identified in 38 articles. 7 additional cases were diagnosed at our institution, totaling 60 cases. All cases of syphilis proctitis were described in individuals of male sex assignment at birth. The age at diagnosis ranged from 15 to 73 years (average 39 years). In 48 cases (92%) men endorsed sex with men. In 27 cases (56%) individuals were HIV co-infected. Syphilis proctitis presented most commonly with hematochezia (68%) and anal pain (48%). The most common physical exam findings were rectal mass (38%), lymphadenopathy (33%), and rash (31%). Non-treponemal titers averaged 1:60 (range 1:2-1:1024). Endoscopy was performed in 52 cases and most commonly showed anorectal mass (42%) and anorectal ulcer (35%). In 38 cases (68%), histopathology revealed a chronic lymphoplasmacytic inflammatory infiltrate, and in 14 of these cases (37%), prominent plasma cells were described. In 24 cases (77%), treponema immunohistochemical stain revealed spirochetes. Conclusion Syphilitic proctitis should be suspected in boys and men presenting with lower gastrointestinal symptoms. Histopathology, while suggestive, is not pathognomonic, and serology and specific tissue staining are required to make the diagnosis. Given overlapping symptoms and histology with inflammatory bowel disease, the diagnosis may be delayed resulting in personal and public health consequences. A sexual history should be routinely elicited and further testing for syphilis pursued if exposure is suspected. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures


2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shahine Goulam-Houssein ◽  
Jeffrey L Grenville ◽  
Katerina Mastrocostas ◽  
David G Munoz ◽  
Amy Lin ◽  
...  

IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a multi-organ chronic inflammatory process caused by infiltration of IgG4-positive plasma cells in one or more organs. Intracranial involvement has only recently become better recognized. Our case series adds to the growing literature on the varying presentations of intracranial IgG4 by describing the clinical and imaging findings of three patients who presented to our institution with intracranial involvement. Our first patient presented with a mass-forming IgG4 pachymeningitis mimicking a sphenoid wing meningioma, which is to our knowledge the largest mass-forming pachymeningitis published in the literature. Our second case depicts another presentation of extensive IgG4 pachymeningitis involving both cavernous sinuses and surrounding Meckel’s caves. The third case describes a patient with presumed lymphocytic hypophysitis, which was later determined to be IgG4-related hypophysitis with concomitant pachymeningitis and perineural spread along the optic nerves. The delayed diagnoses in our cases illustrates the diagnostic challenge that clinicians face in differentiating intracranial IgG4-RD from other infiltrative diseases such as sarcoidosis, granulomatous disease, tuberculosis and lymphoma. Earlier consideration of IgG4-related hypophysitis and hypertrophic pachymeningitis in the differential diagnosis can prevent significant morbidity including unnecessary surgical intervention and organ failure secondary to extensive fibrosis.


2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 224-225
Author(s):  
H Akhtar ◽  
T Nguyen ◽  
V Jairath

Abstract Background Vedolizumab is an α4β7 integrin antagonist which inhibits intestinal T-cell translocation by blocking integrin interactions with mucosal vascular addressin cell adhesion molecule 1, reducing lymphocyte mediated inflammation. Its gut selective mode of action and safety profile have lead to reports of off-label use of vedolizumab for non-IBD related inflammatory intestinal disorders. Aims We conducted a literature review to assess clinical, endoscopic and histologic improvement in patients treated with Vedolizumab for non-IBD enteropathies refractory to conventional therapy. Methods EMBASE, Medline, Clinicaltrials.gov and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched on September 12, 2019 for case studies, case series and cohort studies without language restriction yielding 356 studies with 164 duplicates, 74 non-applicable studies, leaving 118 studies. After full text review, 98 studies were excluded, leaving 20 included studies. Results 65% of patients (51/79) achieved clinical response. 40.5% (15/37) of patients experienced endoscopic improvement and 33% (17/51) of patients experienced histologic improvement. The duration of treatment varied from patients receiving only induction doses to up to 70 months for maintenance therapy. There were four reported cases of withdrawal due to adverse events from Vedolizumab. Conclusions In a treatment refractory population, over 60% of patients reported to have a clinical response and one-third endoscopic/histologic response, indicating that Vedolizumab is a viable option for patients with refractory non-IBD enteropathy. Funding Agencies None


Author(s):  
Alejandro Llanos-Chea ◽  
Jason M. Shapiro ◽  
Rachel W. Winter ◽  
Logan Jerger ◽  
Timothy Menz ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katie A Dunleavy ◽  
Ryan C Ungaro ◽  
Laura Manning ◽  
Stephanie Gold ◽  
Joshua Novak ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Micronutrient deficiencies are common in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). To date, the literature has focused on vitamin D, vitamin B12, and iron deficiencies. Methods We report a case series of 20 patients with IBD and vitamin C deficiency treated at a single tertiary care center. Results Sixteen (80%) patients had symptoms of clinical scurvy, including arthralgia, dry brittle hair, pigmented rash, gingivitis, easy bruising and/or brittle nails. Eighteen patients underwent a nutritional assessment, 10 (56%) patients reported complete avoidance of fruits and vegetables, and 3 (17%) reported reduced intake of fruits and vegetables. Conclusions Vitamin C deficiency should be considered in IBD patients, particularly those with reduced fruit/vegetable intake, as it can lead to significant signs and symptoms.


2018 ◽  
Vol 154 (6) ◽  
pp. S-838
Author(s):  
Vince Biemans ◽  
Christien Janneke Van Der Woude ◽  
Gerard Dijkstra ◽  
Andrea Van Der Meulen ◽  
Bas Oldenburg ◽  
...  

2015 ◽  
Vol 52 (3) ◽  
pp. 315-318 ◽  
Author(s):  
Murat Mert Atmaca ◽  
Gunes Altiokka Uzun ◽  
Erkingul Shugaiv ◽  
Murat Kurtuncu ◽  
Mefkure Eraksoy

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S23-S23
Author(s):  
Adeeti Chiplunker ◽  
Christina Ha ◽  
Shirley Paski

Abstract Background Teduglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) analogue with trophic effects on the intestinal mucosa to increase the absorptive surface area and enhance nutrient and fluid absorption of the small bowel (SB).1 It has been shown to reduce parenteral nutrition (PN) and intravenous fluid (IVF) requirements and is an important adjunct in the medical management of short bowel syndrome (SBS).1–2 Crohn’s disease (CD) is an important etiology of SBS but use of teduglutide in this population can be challenging. Aim The aim of this case series was to describe the use of teduglutide in CD patients. Methods A retrospective case series of all CD patients with SBS who used teduglutide at the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Age, duration of SBS, length of remaining SB and colonic continuity status were recorded. BMI, average daily PN kilocalories (kcal), and IVF requirements were recorded at the time of teduglutide initiation. The duration of teduglutide use was calculated. Teduglutide dose, dose adjustment history, reason for dose adjustment, and therapy complications were noted. Results 9 patients were included (5 male/4 female). Median age was 57 years (IQR 32). Median length of remaining small bowel was 60cm (IQR 27.5) and median duration of SBS was 8 years (IQR 9.83). Median BMI at teduglutide initiation was 18.66 (IQR 4.29) with a median duration of PN of 4.5 years (IQR 9.42) and median PN kcal/day of 971.43 (IQR 518). The median duration of teduglutide was 1.1 years (IQR 3.4). 4 patients (44%) had a teduglutide dose change. 2 patients had dose interval extended from daily to every other day to reduce injection burden. 1 patient developed obstructive symptoms on daily dosing, which resolved when the dose interval was extended to every other day. 1 patient had to stop therapy due to a small bowel obstruction requiring hospitalization. 8 patients (88%) were able to wean or stop PN/IVF with addition of teduglutide. 1 patient had to restart PN despite teduglutide therapy. Table 1. Discussion Teduglutide is effective in Crohn’s disease patients and facilitates weaning of PN and IVF requirements. Most patients tolerate the recommended dose with daily injections, but the dose interval can be extended to every other day to reduce obstructive symptoms or reduce the injection burden without affecting ability to wean PN/IVF. References


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