A Case of Campylobacter Gastroenteritis With Concurrent Inferior Mesenteric Arteritis

Introduction: Campylobacter infection is a well-known cause of gastroenteritis and is associated with various systemic illnesses. This report aims to describe a patient with Campylobacter infection who developed inferior mesenteric arteritis, a rare condition characterized by inflammation of the arteries supplying the colon. Insights into the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of this patient are discussed. Case Description/Methods: A 52-year-old woman presented with severe left lower quadrant abdominal pain, starting a week after diarrhea with other accompanying symptoms. Initially diagnosed with non-inflammatory infectious diarrhea, she was later found to have Campylobacter jejuni infection. Imaging revealed aneurismal dilation and thickening of the inferior mesenteric artery, consistent with arteritis. Treatment included antibiotics, pain management, and corticosteroids. Follow-up imaging showed narrowing of the artery. Discussion: Campylobacter infection is a common cause of bacterial gastroenteritis. Symptoms typically resolve within a few days, but severe cases may require hospitalization. Infection has been associated with conditions such as Guillain Barré syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome. This case report suggests a potential association between Campylobacter infection and inferior mesenteric arteritis, providing important insights into the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions. Further research is needed to explore this relationship and its implications for patient outcomes.