Tapeworm-Induced Eosinophilic Colitis: A Case Report

TL;DR

A rare case of tapeworm-induced eosinophilic colitis is reported, emphasizing the importance of histopathology for accurate diagnosis.

Contribution

Highlights a novel case linking tapeworm infection to eosinophilic colitis and underscores diagnostic challenges.

Findings

Tapeworm infection can manifest as eosinophilic colitis with intestinal obstruction.

Histopathology is crucial for diagnosing eosinophilic colitis due to lack of standardized criteria.

Abstract

Eosinophilic colitis is a rare gastrointestinal (GI) pathology characterised by abnormal eosinophilic infiltration into the digestive tract's mucosa. It can present as a primary disorder or as a secondary manifestation, with a wide range of clinical presentations, necessitating a broad differential diagnosis by clinicians. We report an unusual case of eosinophilic colitis caused by a tapeworm in a young male who presented with intestinal obstruction. This case underscores the diagnostic challenges associated with eosinophilic colitis and highlights the essential role of histopathology in confirming the diagnosis. The absence of standardised histological criteria for eosinophil counts in colonic mucosa further complicates the diagnosis. Consequently, management should be individualised, taking into account the patient's condition and the underlying aetiology.

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