Probable Neutropenic Enterocolitis in Patients with AIDS

Abstract

Neutropenic enterocolitis is well documented in patients with leukemia or lymphoma who are recovering from the adverse effects of chemotherapy. We report two cases of probable neutropenic enterocolitis in two patients with AIDS who developed the syndrome during an episode of moderate neutropenia. To the best of our knowledge, this syndrome has not been reported previously in a patient with AIDS. Both of our patients manifested a mild form of enterocolitis that was characterized by fever, abdominal pain, and evidence of colonic edema easily recognized by computed tomography of the abdomen. Both patients were managed successfully with use of conservative measures including discontinuation of use of marrow-suppressive drugs and therapy with broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents. Neutropenic enterocolitis should be considered as a treatable cause of fever and abdominal pain in patients with AIDS.