Madhavi Adhikari¹, S.Krishnapradeep¹, Mathula Hettiarchchi², Sachini Arunarathna²
1- Department of Paediatrics, Teaching Hospital Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
2- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Sirimavo Bandaranayake Specialised Children’s Hospital, Sri Lanka
Abstract Body
Introduction: Amoebiasis, caused by Entamoeba histolytica, is endemic in developingcountries. Ameboma is a chronic inflammatory complication characterized by a granulomatous, tumor-like mass of the bowel wall. It most commonly involves the caecum and rectosigmoid colon; isolated rectal involvement is uncommon, particularly in children. Becauseit can mimic malignancy , failure to recognize this entity may result in unnecessary intervention. We report a rare case of rectal ameboma presenting as a mass lesion with fecal incontinence in a child.
Case presentation: An eight-year-old girl from low socioeconomic background presented to the paediatric surgical ward with an eight-month history of fecal incontinence. There was no history of chronic diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, weight loss, or fever. Initial evaluation revealed a hard, non-tender rectal mass on digital rectal examination. Her initial blood investigations were normal.Her stool full report also did not showed any abnormality .Contrast-enhanced computed tomography demonstrated a localized lesioninvolving the posterior rectal wall without bowel obstruction or lymphadenopathy . Examination under anesthesia confirmed the presence of a rectal lump; colonoscopy was not performed. Histopathological evaluation of the lesion established the diagnosis of ameboma. She was subsequently referred to the pediatric unit, where she received a 10-day course of intravenous metronidazole. On clinical reassessment, there was complete resolution of fecal incontinence.
Conclusions: Ameboma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of rectal masses in children, particularly in endemic populations. Early recognition enables successful medical management and prevents avoidable surgical procedures.