[Clinical spectrum of amebic colitis].

We present six cases to illustrate the protean clinical and sigmoidoscopic features of the amebic colitis. Three cases presented with a clinical picture resembling ulcerative colitis. In one fatal case, diverticular disease, ischemic colitis and toxic megacolon of uncertain origin were considered before arriving at the proper diagnosis. Two cases were believed to have pseudomembranous colitis on sigmoidoscopic examination. Given the multiple expressions of this entity, amebic colitis should be considered a diagnostic possibility in any protracted inflammatory condition of the colon. From the cases summarized here, it is evident that the clinical and endoscopic features of amebic colitis are variable and may often mimic other illnesses.