Malakoplakia mimicking a colonic tumour: imaging findings, non-surgical management and follow up.
Qitong Huang, Lu Zhao, Zerong Cai et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
Case in brief
A woman in her 60s with diabetes presented with a mass lesion in the descending colon, which was initially suspected to be malignant based on imaging findings. Histopathological examination revealed malakoplakia, characterized by Michaelis-Gutmann bodies. The patient was treated with fluoroquinolone antibiotics, resulting in near-complete resolution of the lesion over two years.
What made this case unusual
The presentation of malakoplakia as a colonic mass lesion is exceptional and can closely mimic malignancy, posing significant diagnostic challenges.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Clinicians should consider malakoplakia in the differential diagnosis of colonic masses, especially when imaging suggests malignancy, and confirm diagnosis histologically before initiating non-surgical management.
Why it matters
This case highlights the importance of recognizing atypical presentations of malakoplakia, which can lead to misdiagnosis and inappropriate management if not properly identified.