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Intestinal Obstruction in a Child with Massive Ascariasis
Munanura Turyasiima1,2, Paul Matovu3, Gloria Kiconco1,2
1Pediatrics and Child Health Department, Kisiizi Hospital Church of Uganda, Kabale, Uganda.
Case Reports in Pediatrics
|January 28, 2021
Summary
Massive ascariasis, a common roundworm infection, rarely causes intestinal obstruction in children. This case highlights a rare pediatric presentation of Ascaris lumbricoides leading to surgical intervention.
Area of Science:
- Tropical medicine
- Pediatric surgery
- Infectious diseases
Background:
- Soil-transmitted helminths, particularly Ascaris lumbricoides, are highly prevalent in tropical and developing regions.
- Ascariasis is the most common helminth infection globally, yet intestinal obstruction is an uncommon pediatric complication.
Observation:
- A 4-year-old girl presented with acute abdominal pain, vomiting, and passing roundworms nasally.
- Physical examination revealed a palpable abdominal mass and mild constipation.
- Nasal passage of worms is a rare but notable symptom of severe ascariasis.
Findings:
- Exploratory laparotomy confirmed massive ascariasis with a significant worm burden.
- A large number of Ascaris lumbricoides were removed via enterotomy.
- The child underwent successful surgical management and postoperative albendazole treatment.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering ascariasis in pediatric patients with abdominal symptoms, even with unusual presentations.
- Early diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial for managing intestinal obstruction caused by Ascaris lumbricoides.
- Effective deworming strategies are essential for preventing severe complications of soil-transmitted helminth infections in endemic areas.
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