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Intestinal anisakiasis: US in diagnosis
M Shirahama1, T Koga, H Ishibashi
1Department of Internal Medicine, Saga Prefectural Hospital, Japan.
Radiology
|December 1, 1992
Summary
High-resolution ultrasound (US) and barium studies accurately diagnose intestinal anisakiasis by identifying thickened bowel loops and mucosal edema. Early diagnosis prevents unnecessary surgery for this parasitic infection.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Parasitology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Intestinal anisakiasis is a parasitic infection caused by ingesting raw or undercooked fish containing Anisakis larvae.
- Accurate and timely diagnosis is crucial to differentiate from other causes of acute abdominal pain and avoid unnecessary surgical interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of high-resolution ultrasound (US) and barium studies in diagnosing intestinal anisakiasis.
- To identify characteristic imaging findings associated with intestinal anisakiasis.
Main Methods:
- A study involving eighteen consecutive patients diagnosed with intestinal anisakiasis.
- High-resolution ultrasound (US) and barium studies were performed on all patients.
- Cytologic examination of ascites was conducted when present.
Main Results:
- Ultrasound revealed thickened bowel loops, luminal narrowing, swollen Kerckring folds, and decreased peristalsis.
- Ascitic fluid, when present, showed a dense infiltration of eosinophils.
- Barium studies demonstrated segmental mucosal edema, predominantly in the distal ileum, with a mean lesion length of 19 cm.
Conclusions:
- High-resolution ultrasound and barium studies are valuable diagnostic tools for intestinal anisakiasis.
- Characteristic imaging findings, including bowel wall thickening and mucosal edema, aid in diagnosis.
- Prompt diagnosis based on imaging can prevent unnecessary surgical treatment for patients presenting with acute abdominal symptoms.