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Enterobius Vermicularis as a Cause of Intestinal Occlusion: How To Avoid Unnecessary Surgery

Ottavio Adorisio1, Francesco De Peppo, Massimo Rivosecchi

  • 1From the Department of Pediatric Surgery, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Research Institute, Rome, Italy.

Pediatric Emergency Care
|July 22, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Enterobius vermicularis, a common pinworm infection in children, can rarely cause intestinal obstruction. This case highlights conservative management of a colonic intussusception caused by pinworms.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Parasitology

Background:

  • Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm) infections are common in children globally, affecting 4-28% worldwide.
  • Symptoms typically include perianal itching, abdominal pain, and sometimes urinary tract infections, insomnia, or irritability.
  • While rare, pinworm infections can lead to severe complications like appendicitis or intestinal obstruction.

Observation:

  • A case is presented of an 8-year-old boy experiencing intestinal occlusion.
  • The occlusion was diagnosed as a colonic intussusception.
  • Enterobius vermicularis was identified as the cause of the intussusception.

Findings:

  • The colonic intussusception in this pediatric patient was successfully managed conservatively.
  • This approach avoided unnecessary surgical exploration.
  • The case underscores the importance of considering pinworm infection in the differential diagnosis of pediatric intestinal obstruction.

Implications:

  • This case suggests that conservative management may be effective for Enterobius vermicularis-induced intussusception.
  • Accurate diagnosis is crucial to avoid invasive procedures when a parasitic cause is suspected.
  • Further research into the mechanisms and optimal management of parasitic-induced intussusception is warranted.

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