[Report on 55 cases of small intestine hookworm disease diagnosed by capsule endoscopy]

To demonstrate the diagnostic value of capsule endoscopy for small intestine hookworm disease.

A retrospective study was carried out to analyze the clinical data and capsule endoscope image of 55 patients with small intestine hookworm disease in the hospital from June 2006 to June 2012.

Among these patients, 40 cases manifested as gastrointestinal bleeding, 7 had iron deficiency anemia, 6 had chronic abdominal pain, and 2 showed abdominal distension or discomfort. Hookworm eggs were found in stool specimens of 2 cases, 6 cases showed peripheral eosinophilia, 46 cases were found to be fecal occult blood positive. Out of the 55 cases investigated, 44 showed anemia (11 severe, 26 moderate, and 7 mild). All patients were definitely diagnosed by capsule endoscopy. The hookworms were translucent and about 5-10 mm in length. Hookworms in most cases were diffusely distributed, but 12 patients suffered massive and severe hookworm infection. In most cases, hookworms were found in the proximal small intestine, and 6 in the distal intestine. Erosion and injury in intestinal mucosa around the hookworm were observed in several cases.

Capsule endoscopy is an effective and safe diagnostic technique for hookworm disease in small intestine.