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[Granulomatous peritonitis from ascariasis: apropos of 1 case in a Benin child]
Insights
Granulomatous peritonitis in a child was caused by Ascaris lumbricoides eggs. This rare parasitic infection mimics abdominal tuberculosis, highlighting the importance of histopathological diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Parasitology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Granulomatous peritonitis is a rare condition often associated with infections or inflammatory processes.
- Abdominal tuberculosis is a common differential diagnosis in children presenting with peritonitis, especially in endemic areas.
- Ascaris lumbricoides is a common intestinal nematode, but its eggs causing peritonitis is an infrequent occurrence.
Observation:
- A 6-year-old child presented with acute abdominal pain, leading to exploratory laparotomy.
- Intraoperative findings included severe adhesive inflammation and adenopathies, initially suggesting abdominal tuberculosis.
- Histopathological examination of surgical tissue samples revealed Ascaris ova as the cause of peritonitis.
Findings:
- The definitive diagnosis was Ascaris ova peritonitis, confirmed through histopathology.
- The parasitic etiology was established despite initial clinical and intraoperative suspicion of tuberculosis.
- The case underscores the importance of considering parasitic infections in the differential diagnosis of pediatric peritonitis.
Implications:
- This case highlights the need for thorough histopathological evaluation in pediatric peritonitis to avoid misdiagnosis.
- Awareness of rare presentations of common parasitic infections like Ascariasis is crucial for clinicians.
- Accurate diagnosis of Ascaris ova peritonitis can guide appropriate antiparasitic treatment and prevent complications.
Abstract:
We report a case of granulomatous peritonitis in a child, due to Ascaris lumbricoïdes eggs. A 6 year-old child was admitted to the emergency ward with acute abdomen pain. Upon performing a laparotomy, severe adhesive inflammation and adenopathies were found and abdominal tuberculosis was diagnosed. Specific treatment was administered. Later, the acurage diagnosis of Ascaris ova peritonitis was made by histopathological examination of tissue removed during the operation. The pathogenesis is briefly discussed.