Intestinal anisakiasis: CT imaging findings-a 10-year descriptive study in a single center

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Infectious Diseases
• Radiology

Background:

• Intestinal anisakiasis is a parasitic infection caused by ingesting raw or undercooked fish containing Anisakis larvae.
• Clinical manifestations are often nonspecific, leading to diagnostic challenges and delays.

Purpose of the Study:

• To retrospectively review computed tomography (CT) findings in intestinal anisakiasis over a 10-year period.
• To evaluate the characteristic imaging features associated with this parasitic infection.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 71 patients with suspected intestinal anisakiasis who underwent abdominopelvic CT.
• Review of CT images by an experienced radiologist to identify characteristic findings.

Main Results:

• 47 confirmed cases of intestinal anisakiasis were identified, predominantly affecting men aged 52 years.
• Common CT findings included bowel wall thickening with submucosal edema (ileum involvement in 91.5%), intestinal obstruction (70.2%), ascites (95.7%), and mesenteric fat striation (68.1%).
• The infection was linked to raw fish consumption, with anchovies in vinegar being the most common source.

Conclusions:

• CT is a valuable tool for diagnosing intestinal anisakiasis, especially when clinical symptoms are nonspecific.
• Characteristic CT findings such as ileal wall thickening, ascites, and mesenteric fat striation aid in diagnosis.
• Simultaneous involvement of multiple intestinal segments can also be a diagnostic clue.