[Gastric anisakidosis: personal experience]

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Parasitology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Anisakidosis is a human parasitic infection caused by ingesting marine nematode larvae, primarily Anisakis simplex, found in raw or undercooked seafood.
• The infection commonly affects the stomach and small intestine, presenting with symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, and severe abdominal pain within 12-24 hours of ingestion.
• Pathological findings include edema, eosinophilic infiltration, and granuloma formation at the site of larval penetration.

Observation:

• A case of gastric anisakidosis is presented, involving a woman hospitalized with severe epigastric pain and vomiting after consuming raw fish.
• Diagnostic gastroscopy revealed a worm in the gastric mucosa, which was successfully removed using biopsy forceps.
• Hematological examination showed marked leukocytosis and eosinophilia in the patient's peripheral blood.

Findings:

• Endoscopic examination and subsequent removal of the Anisakis simplex larva via biopsy forceps proved both diagnostic and therapeutic for gastric anisakidosis.
• The extracted larva was identified through macroscopic and microscopic analysis.
• Post-procedure, the patient experienced significant clinical improvement.

Implications:

• Endoscopic intervention is a viable diagnostic and therapeutic strategy for gastric anisakidosis, potentially avoiding surgical intervention.
• Early diagnosis and removal of the parasite can lead to rapid symptom resolution and prevent complications.
• This case highlights the importance of considering anisakidosis in patients with compatible symptoms after seafood consumption.