Author(s) |
Ponniah, Kugendran
Yong, Suk Teen Larissa
Jayasooriya, Dinesh
|
Publication Date |
2025-02-12
|
Abstract |
Enterobius vermicularis (E. vermicularis, pinworm) is a common gastrointestinal parasite in children, occasionally implicated in appendiceal pathology. We report a case of a seven-year-old autistic male who presented with a three-day history of right iliac fossa pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting. Clinical and laboratory findings suggested acute appendicitis, prompting diagnostic laparoscopy and appendicectomy. Intraoperatively, a mildly inflamed appendix was noted with multiple mesenteric lymph nodes and visible roundworms at the appendiceal base, which were carefully suctioned out. Histopathology confirmed E. vermicularis infestation without definitive acute inflammatory changes. The patient had an uneventful recovery with postoperative anthelmintic therapy for the household. While the role of E. vermicularis in true appendicitis remains debated, its presence within the appendix can cause symptoms mimicking acute appendicitis. Given the diagnostic uncertainty and potential risk of appendiceal obstruction or secondary infection, appendicectomy remains a definitive and justified treatment in such cases, ensuring symptom resolution and preventing complications.
|
Affiliation |
General Surgery, Northern Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, AUS.
General Surgery, Northern Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, AUS.
General Surgery, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, AUS.
|
Citation |
Cureus . 2025 Feb 12;17(2):e78924. doi: 10.7759/cureus.78924. eCollection 2025 Feb.
|
ISSN |
2168-8184
|
Pubmed ID |
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40091930/?otool=iaurydwlib
|
Link | |
Subject |
acute abdomen
enterobius vermicularis infestation
intestinal parasites
pediatric appendicitis
pinworm
|
Title |
Enterobius vermicularis Infestation: A Rare Cause of Appendicitis.
|
Type of document |
Journal Article
|
Entity Type |
Publication
|
Name | Size | format | Description | Link |
---|