Gastrocolic fistula: a cause of short stature and delayed puberty in an adolescent with chronic diarrhea

Gastrocolic fistula as a complication of a gastric ulcer related to Helicobacter pylori in a child

Gastrocolic fistulas are very rare in children and their association with Helicobacter pylori is poorly described. We present the case of a 10-year-old boy with a history of chronic abdominal pain, diarrhea, halitosis, and growth delay diagnosed with H. pylori-associated gastritis and gastrocolic fistula. The boy recovered with resection surgery and antibiotic therapy for eradication of the pathogen. This is the first description of a gastrocolic fistula in pediatrics related to H. pylori.

A case of gastrocolic fistula secondary to adenocarcinoma of the colon

INTRODUCTION

Gastrocolic fistula secondary to colon carcinoma is a rare entity. The common cause of gastrocolic fistula is different between eastern and western countries. Gastrocolic fistula may present many manifestations.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We present a case report of gastrocolic fistula in a 59-year-old male patient with colon adenocarcinoma, diagnosed on digestive endoscopy, CT scanning and barium enema. Radical en-bloc surgery was undertaken based on patient's symptom, the size and the nature of the tumor.

DISCUSSION

The typical symptoms of gastrocolic fistula include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, emaciation, anemia, hypoaluminemia, weight loss and ascites. There are many methods to diagnose gastrocolic fistula, but barium enema is the most accepted way nowadays.

CONCLUSION

It is rare for gastrocolic fistula case to be caused by colon adenocarcinoma, and has been rarely reported inside China. The best therapy of gastrocolic fistula remains radical en-bloc surgery.