Manifestations of pediatric appendicopathia oxyurica

Mary M Jordan1, Jennifer E Sanders, Christina R Stallworth

  • 1Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA.

The American Surgeon
|September 28, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Enterobius vermicularis, a pinworm infection, can mimic appendicitis in children. Diagnosis requires considering this parasite in pediatric patients with right lower quadrant pain, with mebendazole as the complete therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm) is a common intestinal parasite.
  • Appendicitis is a frequent surgical emergency in children.

Observation:

  • Two pediatric cases presented with symptoms similar to acute appendicitis.
  • Both patients, initially suspected of appendicitis, were diagnosed with Enterobius vermicularis infection upon examination.

Findings:

  • Appendiceal inflammation and right lower quadrant pain can be caused by Enterobius vermicularis.
  • Microscopic examination of the appendix revealed pinworm infection in both cases, despite differing initial presentations.

Implications:

  • Enterobius vermicularis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute appendicitis in pediatric patients.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment with mebendazole are crucial for effective management of appendiceal pinworm infections.

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