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[Ascariasis as a cause of acute abdomen: a case report]

G Mosiello1, O Adorisio, C Gatti

  • 1Divisione di Chirurgia Pediatrica, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Roma. mosiello@opbg.net

La Pediatria Medica E Chirurgica : Medical and Surgical Pediatrics
|July 29, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Ascaris Lumbricoides Infestation (ALI), a common gastrointestinal worm disease, can cause serious surgical issues in children. This case highlights ALI diagnosis during emergency surgery for acute abdomen in a young girl in Italy.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Ascaris Lumbricoides Infestation (ALI) is a prevalent helminthic disease affecting the gastrointestinal tract.
  • ALI is frequently observed in tropical and subtropical regions globally.
  • It can lead to severe surgical complications, particularly in pediatric populations.

Observation:

  • A case report details a 5-year-old Pakistani girl presenting with acute abdomen.
  • The patient received medical treatment in Italy.
  • ALI was identified during surgical exploration for the acute abdominal condition.

Findings:

  • The case underscores the potential for Ascaris Lumbricoides Infestation to manifest as acute abdomen requiring surgical intervention.
  • Diagnosis of ALI was confirmed intraoperatively.
  • This highlights the importance of considering parasitic infections in differential diagnoses for abdominal emergencies, even in non-endemic settings.

Implications:

  • This case emphasizes the need for heightened awareness of Ascaris Lumbricoides Infestation in pediatric acute abdomen presentations.
  • It suggests that international travel may facilitate the presentation of parasitic diseases in diverse geographical locations.
  • Early diagnosis and surgical management are crucial for favorable outcomes in complicated ALI cases.

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