Ascaris pneumonitis: case presentation

This is a case of a 74-year-old lady with ascaris pneumonitis whose presenting complaint was a respiratory infection. X-ray suggested neoplasia. The diagnosis was more complex because of other unrelated findings suggestive of thyroid and breast lesions. She did not display the expected eosinophilia, but this is transient and may have been missed. She resides in an urban area and has good hygiene habits. No source of the infection could be found. Diagnosis is most commonly made by finding eggs in the stool; occasionally an adult worm is passed in the stool. In this case the diagnosis was considered when an adult worm was found during sigmoidoscopy. There is a brief discussion of ascaris infection.