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Published on: August 24, 2019
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.
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.
Abstract:
Enterobius vermicularis is a parasite that inhabits the human digestive tract. We present two pediatric patients with symptoms mimicking acute appendicitis who were found to have E. vermicularis infection. The first case is a 5-year-old female who presented with flank and abdominal pain associated with low-grade fever and anorexia. She had localized tenderness in the right lower quadrant and a leukocytosis with left shift. Intraoperative findings included a normal-appearing appendix, but ex vivo examination revealed Enterobius vermicularis. The second case is a 7-year-old female who presented with periumbilical abdominal pain, anorexia, and emesis. She had tenderness at McBurney's point, and ultrasound revealed a small echogenic focus within the appendix. Intraoperatively, the distal tip of the appendix appeared inflamed. Again, ex vivo examination revealed E. vermicularis. Enterobius vermicularis infection of the appendix can present with a clinical picture similar to acute appendicitis. In at-risk populations, it should be included in the differential diagnosis for children with right lower quadrant abdominal pain. Complete therapy requires treatment with mebendazole.
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