A single worm-like structure in a urine collection bag: a case report
1Department of Gerontology, Amiens-Picardie University Hospital, 1 rond-point du Pr Christian Cabrol, 80054, Amiens Cedex 1, France. bloch.frederic@chu-amiens.fr.
Journal of Medical Case Reports
|May 1, 2025
Summary
A worm-like object in urine may not be a parasite; it could be a blood clot. Careful analysis is crucial to avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary investigations for parasitic infections.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Parasitology
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Foreign bodies in urine collection bags warrant investigation to rule out parasitic infections.
- Patient history, appearance, and characteristics of the object are vital for initial assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate a case of a suspected worm-like foreign body in a urine collection bag.
- To determine the true nature of the object and differentiate it from parasitic organisms.
Main Methods:
- Clinical observation of a 77-year-old male patient in a long-term care facility.
- Initial suspicion of parasitic infection, specifically Dioctophyma renale (giant kidney worm).
- Laboratory analysis of the urine sample to identify the foreign body.
Main Results:
- The object, initially appearing as a mobile black filament, was identified as a blood clot.
- The worm-like morphology was attributed to the urethra shaping the blood clot.
Conclusions:
- Worm-like presentations in urine can be misleading, mimicking parasitic infections.
- Accurate parasitological analysis is essential for correct diagnosis and to prevent unnecessary patient concern and investigations.
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