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Appendiceal Enterobius vermicularis infestation in adults
Burak Isik1, Mehmet Yilmaz, Nese Karadag
1Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Inonu, Malatya, Turkey. bisik@inonu.edu.tr
International Surgery
|December 7, 2007
Summary
Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm) was found in 2% of adult appendices. While pinworm presence may correlate with acute inflammation, it can also cause appendicitis symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Parasitology
- Pathology
Background:
- Appendicitis is a common surgical emergency.
- Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm) is a common human parasite.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of Enterobius vermicularis in adult appendices.
- To investigate the potential relationship between E. vermicularis and acute appendicitis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 890 appendectomy specimens.
- Histopathological examination for E. vermicularis and signs of inflammation.
Main Results:
- E. vermicularis identified in 18 (2%) of 890 patients.
- In 12 cases of acute appendicitis, 2% had E. vermicularis.
- E. vermicularis ova were associated with acute inflammation in 33% of positive cases.
Conclusions:
- A potential relationship exists between E. vermicularis ova and acute appendicitis.
- Pinworm presence in the appendix lumen may be coincidental or causative of appendicitis symptoms.
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