Journal of Gastrointestinal & Digestive System
Open Access

Abstract

Objectives: Basidiobolusranarum is a fungus known to rarely cause chronic skin and subcutaneous infections and even more rarely it can present as gastrointestinal basidiobolomycosis (GIB). In this case report we describe our experience with GIB in the western region of Saudi Arabia in which we adopted a conservative approach and limited the role of surgery beyond taking the biopsy. We also describe our utilization of voriconazole that seems a promising agent in treating GIB. Methods: Health records of five patients with GIB were retrospectively reviewed. These patients were diagnosed between January 2012 and March 2014 at King Khalid National Guard Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Results: All patients were males from the southwestern region of Saudi Arabia. All of our five cases had leukocytosis, while eosinophilia was significant in four out of five patients. Four cases were managed medically with voriconazole and one case with itraconazole. None of our cases were managed surgically unless complications occurred (two out of five patients). Three cases have shown complete resolution of their symptoms. One patient that required multiple surgeries died later due to surgery complications. Conclusion: The prognosis of GIB in pediatric patients is usually favorable if diagnosed early and aggressive surgery was avoided. To achieve early diagnosis, high index suspicion is required. We suggest fine needle biopsy instead of invasive biopsy to diagnose the disease by histopathology to minimize complications if possible. We also think that Voriconazole is an effective and promising alternative to Itraconazole in treatment of GIB.

Biography

Email: aziz.aldukhayil@gmail.com