Work

Intestinal Obstruction Caused by Ascaris lumbricoides in a Pediatric Patient: A Case Report and Literature Review

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Ascariasis is one of the most common intestinal helminth infections worldwide, particularly in tropical regions with poor sanitary conditions. Although often asymptomatic, a heavy worm burden can cause severe complications such as intestinal obstruction. We present the case of an eight-year-old female child from a rural area of Quintana Roo, Mexico, who developed abdominal pain, vomiting, and absence of bowel movements. Computed tomography suggested intestinal obstruction with free peritoneal fluid and mural thickening. Emergency laparotomy revealed a conglomerate of Ascaris lumbricoides causing complete obstruction of the proximal ileum; enterotomy and worm extraction were performed successfully. The patient recovered well and was discharged on postoperative albendazole and ivermectin. This case underscores the need to consider ascariasis in the differential diagnosis of intestinal obstruction in children from endemic regions and highlights the importance of timely surgical intervention alongside antiparasitic therapy.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.98047

Authors: Gloria Barrera Sánchez, Yunuén Maqueda Sánchez, Raúl Amílcar Cetina Castillo

Institutions: Mexican Social Security Institute, Autonomous University of Yucatán, Servicios de Salud del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social para el Bienestar

Language: English

Topic: Parasites and Host Interactions

Subfield: Parasitology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4416809613