Fatal respiratory obstruction due to round worm

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Medicine
• Parasitology
• Medical Case Reports

Background:

• Ascariasis, a common helminthic infection, typically presents with gastrointestinal symptoms.
• Respiratory complications from roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides) migration are uncommon.
• Fatal airway obstruction due to a roundworm is an exceedingly rare event.

Observation:

• A three-year-old child presented with acute respiratory distress.
• Physical examination revealed signs suggestive of upper airway obstruction.
• Diagnostic imaging was limited due to the emergent nature of the presentation.

Findings:

• A large roundworm was identified as the cause of complete airway obstruction.
• The obstruction led to a fatal outcome despite medical intervention.
• Autopsy confirmed the presence of Ascaris lumbricoides in the respiratory tract.

Implications:

• This case underscores the potential for severe, life-threatening complications from common parasitic infections in children.
• Highlights the importance of considering parasitic causes in pediatric respiratory emergencies, even when rare.
• Emphasizes the critical need for prompt diagnosis and intervention in cases of suspected foreign body or obstruction in the pediatric airway.