Work

Chemotherapy-associated neutropenic enterocolitis of the transverse colon post right hemicolectomy

Year: 2019

Type: article

Abstract: Neutropenic enterocolitis (NE) is a life-threatening infection of the immunocompromised. NE ubiquitously affects the cecum, often with involvement of the ascending colon and ileum. Classically, NE is associated with high mortality leading to the frequent use of aggressive treatment strategies including surgery. Although conservative approaches are often successful, there are currently no standardized treatment guidelines for NE and it is unclear when such strategies should be implemented. Here, we describe a patient with suspected chemotherapy-associated NE despite having previously undergone a right hemicolectomy. As computed tomography imaging failed to provide a conclusive diagnosis, we performed a gentle endoscopic evaluation that affirmed a diagnosis of NE of the transverse colon, and suggested the patient would benefit from conservative treatment. This case demonstrates that endoscopy can be a safe and useful tool in the diagnosis of NE, and is an important reminder that NE can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract.

Source: Oxford Medical Case Reports

DOI: 10.1093/omcr/omz140

Authors: Daniel R Principe, Regina M Koch, Tova M Bergsten, Jonathan Rubin

Institutions: University of Illinois Chicago, Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Neutropenia and Cancer Infections

Subfield: Oncology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,103