Gastric cryptosporidiosis revealing a small cell lung carcinoma (Tunisia)

• Published in: Bulletin de la Societe de pathologie exotique (1990) Vol. 101; no. 1; pp. 22 - 23
• Main Authors: Kourda, N, Blel, A, Ben Jilani, S Baltagi, Zermani, R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: French
• Published: France 01-02-2008
• Subjects: Aged; Biopsy; Bronchoscopy; Carcinoma, Small Cell - diagnosis; Chronic Disease; Cryptosporidiosis - diagnosis; Gastritis - parasitology; Gastroscopy; Humans; Immunocompromised Host; Lung Neoplasms - diagnosis; Male; Radiography, Thoracic
• ISSN: 0037-9085

Cryptosporidium, agent of cryptosporidiosis, is an ubiquitous protozoan organism causing diarrhoea especially in severe immunosuppressed patients. Cryptosporidium has been detected with increasing frequency in the gastrointestinal tract, but involvement of the stomach is rarely reported and discloses an underlying immunodeficiency state. We report the case of 67-year-old man, a heavy smoker, who presented with a history of epigastric pain with an altered general condition. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed no significant mucosal abnormalities. The biopsy revealed a chronic active gastritis with Cryptosporidium parasites lining cryptic epithelium. Systematic chest X ray showed a right suspect parenchymatous opacity. Bronchoscopy with multiple biopsies concluded to a small cell lung carcinoma. Through this rare initial manifestation of immunocompromised state related to cancer we will discuss the role of gastrointestinal endoscopy with biopsies in the diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis.