Ponniah, Kugendran; Yong, Suk Teen Larissa; Jayasooriya, Dinesh

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, 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

https://hdl.handle.net/10137/14192

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

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	https://hdl.handle.net/10137/14192
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

Enterobius vermicularis Infestation: A Rare Cause of Appendicitis.

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