Cardiac tamponade in a child with ascariasis

Area of Science:

• Parasitology
• Cardiology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Ascariasis is a common human parasitic infection caused by Ascaris roundworms.
• Severe ascariasis can lead to systemic complications, including potential cardiac involvement through portal circulation.
• Pericardial involvement in ascariasis has not been previously documented.

Observation:

• A child presented with severe ascariasis.
• The child developed significant pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade.
• Parasitic migration through the intestinal wall and portal circulation was suspected as the cause.

Findings:

• This case represents the first reported instance of pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade secondary to ascariasis.
• The findings suggest that Ascaris parasites can, in severe cases, lead to direct or indirect cardiac compromise.
• Diagnostic evaluation confirmed the association between the parasitic infection and the cardiac condition.

Implications:

• This case expands the known spectrum of cardiac complications associated with ascariasis.
• Clinicians should consider ascariasis in the differential diagnosis of unexplained pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade, especially in endemic areas.
• Further research may be warranted to elucidate the mechanisms of cardiac involvement in severe helminthic infections.