Published in:
Open Access 01-12-2018 | Case report
Sub-acute intestinal obstruction – a rare complication of Plasmodium falciparum malaria in an adult: a case report
Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports | Issue 1/2018
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Background
Malaria remains a major public health problem in most tropical countries. It occasionally presents with both typical and atypical signs and symptoms. Gastrointestinal manifestations are common in malaria endemic areas but intestinal obstruction as a complication is extremely rare.
Case presentation
We present the case of a 42-year-old black African man who presented with signs and symptoms of intestinal obstruction and was diagnosed as having Plasmodium falciparum malaria. He was successfully treated with both parenteral and orally administered antimalarial medication and the intestinal obstruction subsequently resolved.
Conclusion
With intestinal obstruction being an important cause of morbidity and mortality, we report this case to highlight this rare complication of malaria and therefore increase physicians’ awareness and prompt diagnosis and management.