Clostridium difficile-associated pouchitis

Dig Dis Sci. 2006 Dec;51(12):2361-4. doi: 10.1007/s10620-006-9172-7. Epub 2006 Nov 11.

Abstract

Pouchitis is the most common long-term sequela of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) following total proctocolectomy. No single pathogen is identified as being solely responsible for the pathogenesis of the disease. Here we describe a case of Clostridium difficile-associated pouchitis that was successfully treated with ciprofloxacin and tinidazole. Diagnosis and management of a patient with medically refractory pouchitis associated with Clostridium difficile infection is described. A 63-year-old male with underlying ulcerative colitis and IPAA presented with increased stool frequency and seepage for 2 months, which partially responded to oral metronidazole. While on the antibiotic therapy, pouch endoscopy was performed and showed severe pouchitis. Assays for Clostridium difficile toxins in stool specimens were positive. He was treated with a 4-week course of ciprofloxacin 500 mg BID and tinidazole 500 mg TID. His symptoms resolved within several days from the initiation of therapy. A repeat pouch endoscopy at week 5 showed a complete resolution of mucosal inflammation of the pouch, while tests for Clostridium difficile toxins became negative. Clostridium difficile-associated pouchitis is rare. However, Clostridium difficile infection should be excluded in patients with chronic refractory pouchitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Infective Agents / therapeutic use
  • Ciprofloxacin / therapeutic use
  • Clostridioides difficile / pathogenicity*
  • Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous / complications*
  • Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous / diagnosis
  • Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous / drug therapy
  • Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous / pathology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pouchitis / drug therapy
  • Pouchitis / microbiology*
  • Pouchitis / pathology
  • Tinidazole / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Tinidazole
  • Ciprofloxacin