Vk. Golakai et R. Makunike, PERFORATION OF TERMINAL ILEUM AND APPENDIX IN TYPHOID ENTERITIS - REPORT OF 2 CASES, East African medical journal, 74(12), 1997, pp. 796-799
Two cases of simultaneous typhoid perforation of terminal ileum and ap
pendix are reported from Harare Central Hospital, These findings have
not been reported before. Perforations were associated with schistosom
iasis and HIV/AIDS, Definitive diagnosis was made only after laparotom
y, serology and histopathology. With early diagnosis, effective resusc
itation and timely intervention, this life-threatening condition is no
t necessarily fatal. Septic shock is however, an ominous sign of poor
prognosis, In the tropics, bradycardia, leukopaenia and perforation in
a febrile patient with right iliac fossa tenderness should arouse sus
picion. Perforations may occur in patients with underlying diseases.