Case Report of Taeniasis with Gastric Manifestations on CT and Worm Expulsion Post CT Examination

In March 2025, a 31-year-old female patient was admitted to Mangkang County People's Hospital in Tibet, complaining of upper abdominal pain for two days, which worsened after meals. She reported a habit of consuming raw beef. This case is unique as it highlights the diagnostic value of CT imaging in identifying taeniasis, particularly when worms are expelled post-CT examination. Previous imaging studies often lacked specific signs, with many cases only confirmed post-surgery. This case provides a valuable reference for the radiological characteristics of taeniasis.

The patient presented with upper abdominal pain that worsened after meals. Physical examination revealed a soft abdomen with significant tenderness in the upper abdomen, no rebound tenderness, no muscle tension, no palpable liver or spleen below the costal margin, negative McBurney's sign, negative Murphy's sign, no renal percussion tenderness, negative shifting dullness, normal bowel sounds, and no abnormalities in the anus or rectum. Blood tests showed a white blood cell count of 15.15 x 10^9/L, neutrophil percentage of 92.4%, absolute neutrophil count of 14.0 x 10^9/L, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein of 1.3 mg/L, and amylase of 997.15 U/L. Abdominal CT revealed an irregular, poorly defined mass-like heterogeneous density shadow in the stomach, measuring approximately 83 mm x 38 mm x 51 mm (anteroposterior x transverse x craniocaudal), with an enlarged pancreas and surrounding exudation. After the CT scan, the patient vomited inside the CT room, expelling two white worms. The worms were milky white, ribbon-like, about 200 cm long, with a spoon-shaped scolex, body covered in transverse folds, and a slightly thinner tail. A follow-up CT scan after vomiting showed that the gastric mass had disappeared. Based on the worm morphology, epidemiological history, and laboratory findings, the diagnosis was taeniasis and pancreatitis. The patient was treated with fasting, intravenous administration of H2 receptor antagonists and somatostatin to relieve pancreatitis, and albendazole (2 tablets/day for 3 days) for deworming. Follow-up two months later showed no abnormalities.

This case underscores the importance of considering taeniasis in patients presenting with gastric symptoms and abnormal CT findings. The main takeaway lesson is that prompt recognition and appropriate treatment can lead to successful management of taeniasis, even in unusual presentations. Immediate diagnosis after CT examination and expulsion of worms provides valuable insights into the radiological features of taeniasis.