Cure8 research brief
Why This Matters
GIB can present like Crohn's disease or appendicitis and lead to delayed diagnosis, repeated surgeries, and incorrect treatments. Recognizing this rare infection is important for people with unexplained, treatment-refractory abdominal inflammation—especially in endemic areas.
Who Should Pay Attention
Clinicians managing refractory colonic inflammation or atypical appendiceal masses; adult patients with IBD-like symptoms not responding to usual therapy; surgeons involved in emergency abdominal surgery.
Study Snapshot
What To Know
A 38-year-old woman treated previously for presumed Crohn's disease or an appendicular abscess had persistent right-iliac-fossa pain, fever, a palpable mass, and high inflammatory markers.
CT suggested an inflamed appendix with collection; antibiotics and drainage failed, and she underwent laparoscopic appendectomy followed by exploratory laparotomy and right hemicolectomy. Histopathology with special stains confirmed basidiobolomycosis, and treatment with itraconazole led to clinical recovery.
This report highlights that GIB can closely mimic inflammatory bowel disease or malignancy, causing diagnostic delay and multiple interventions. Early consideration of atypical infections in endemic areas and prompt histopathological confirmation are important to guide appropriate surgical and antifungal therapy.
Keep In Mind
Single case report from a surgical journal (abstract-level). Findings illustrate a diagnostic mimic but do not establish prevalence or comparative treatment outcomes. The patient improved after surgical resection and itraconazole antifungal therapy.
Source Details
Review the original publication for the complete reporting, methods, and context.
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