Value of proctoscopy in the diagnosis of amebiasis

A study of 115 consecutive patients who had amebic dysentery was carried out for the purpose of determining how much value proctoscopy has in the diagnosis of the condition. Ulceration of the lower part of the bowel, suggestive of amebiasis, as determined by proctoscopy, was found in 20.8 per cent of the cases of amebic dysentery. Biopsy and scrapings from the ulcers at the time of proctoscopy afforded the diagnosis in two cases in which repeated examinations of stools had given negative results. In comparison with the other infectious types of diarrhea, anal abscess and anal fistula were not common complications. The occasional coexistence of a carcinoma or other tumefactive lesion with amebic dysentery is sufficiently frequent to warrant proctoscopy in every case in which amebic dysentery is suspected.