Publication: Roundworm infestation presenting as acute abdomen in four cases – sonographic diagnosis
Date
2005
Authors
Article Type
Case Report
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
1812-2027
Volume Title
Pages
Pages: 87 - 90
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
Infestation with Ascaris lumbricoides (roundworm) is very common in the tropics and subtropics. Patients with
ascariasis can be asymptomatic or may present with different clinical features in the form of simple nausea,
decreased appetite, abdominal pain or more severe bowel obstruction, perforation, intussusception, biliary colic etc.
Ultrasonography (USG) can be quick, safe, noninvasive and relatively inexpensive tool in diagnosing the presence
of worms and also evaluating response to treatment (1, 2, and 3). Here we present four cases of roundworm
infestation presenting with acute abdomen in the emergency department, which were diagnosed by USG and further
imaging features of ascariasis on USG is described.
Key Words: Roundworm, Ascariasis, Ultrasonography, Acute abdomen