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Acute appendicitis secondary to Enterobius vermicularis infection in a middle-aged man: a case report

Stavros Panidis1, Daniel Paramythiotis, Dimitris Panagiotou

  • 1First Propedeutic Department of Surgery, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, St Kyriakidi 1 54636, Thessaloniki, Greece. st.panidis@gmail.com.

Journal of Medical Case Reports
|December 2, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Acute appendicitis caused by pinworms (Enterobius vermicularis) is rare, particularly in adults. This case highlights a 52-year-old man successfully treated with appendectomy and mebendazole for pinworm-induced appendicitis.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Parasitology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Surgical Pathology

Background:

  • Acute appendicitis is uncommon in parasitic infections, with Enterobius vermicularis (pinworms) rarely implicated, especially in adults.
  • The role of pinworms in causing appendicitis versus appendiceal colic remains a subject of debate.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a rare case of acute appendicitis in an adult male caused by Enterobius vermicularis.
  • To discuss the diagnostic challenges and management of parasitic appendicitis.

Main Methods:

  • Case presentation of a 52-year-old male with right lower quadrant abdominal pain.
  • Diagnostic workup including physical examination, laboratory tests (leukocytosis, neutrophilia), and appendectomy.
  • Pathological examination of the appendix revealing pinworms and postoperative antiparasitic treatment with mebendazole.

Main Results:

  • Pathological analysis confirmed the presence of Enterobius vermicularis within the appendiceal lumen.
  • The patient experienced complete symptom resolution post-appendectomy and antiparasitic treatment.
  • One-year follow-up showed no recurrence of symptoms.

Conclusions:

  • Enterobius vermicularis infestation of the appendix is an infrequent finding, rarely leading to acute appendicitis in adults.
  • Clinical presentations of intestinal parasitic infections can mimic acute appendicitis, necessitating careful evaluation.
  • Consideration of symptoms like pruritus ani and eosinophilia may help avoid unnecessary appendectomies.

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