CLINICAL AND ENDOSCOPIC CHARACTERISTICS OF ASYMPTOMATIC AMEBIC COLITIS: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Abstract

[Objective] Asymptomatic amebic colitis cases are sometimes observed. In this study, we investigated the endoscopic findings and clinical characteristics associated with asymptomatic patients.

[Methods] We enrolled 21 patients diagnosed with amebic colitis at a single institution between January 2012 and February 2024. The cases were divided into asymptomatic (9 cases) and symptomatic (12 cases) groups. We retrospectively compared clinical backgrounds, lesion distributions, endoscopic findings, and trophozoite detection rates using pathological or microscopic examinations between the two groups.

[Results] The clinical backgrounds of the two groups did not differ significantly. Rectal lesions were significantly less frequent in the asymptomatic group (11%) than in the symptomatic group (83%) (p=0.002). Cecal lesions were frequently observed in the asymptomatic group (89%). No significant between-group differences were observed in rates of endoscopic findings including aphthae, ulcers, white exudates, and erosions, as well as in trophozoite detection rates.

[Conclusion] In patients with asymptomatic amebic colitis, rectal lesions were less frequent, and cecal lesions were commonly observed. Pathological and microscopic diagnoses were equally useful in both asymptomatic and symptomatic cases.