Faculty Collaboration Database

Primary ascaridial perforation of the small intestine: sonographic diagnosis. J Clin Ultrasound 2003 May;31(4):211-3

Date

04/15/2003

Pubmed ID

12692830

DOI

10.1002/jcu.10152

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-0037404543 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   21 Citations

Abstract

Ascaris lumbricoides is the most common helminth affecting humans. Ascariasis can result in serious complications, including intestinal obstruction and perforation. Early diagnosis and treatment of such complications reduces the risk of mortality. We present a case of sonographically diagnosed ascaridial perforation in a 5-year-old girl. On sonography, each ascarid appeared as 2 pairs of parallel lines, representing the worm's outer margins, flanking a central sonolucent line, representing its digestive tract. Sonography revealed ascarides in the peritoneal cavity and in some loops of the small bowel. Emergent laparotomy was performed to remove ascarides from the peritoneal cavity and terminal ileum, and the patient recovered well and was asymptomatic at a 3-month follow-up. Knowledge of the sonographic features described herein may aid in the evaluation of patients, especially children, in tropical countries who have clinical symptoms of ascariasis.

Author List

Chawla A, Patwardhan V, Maheshwari M, Wasnik A

Author

Mohit Maheshwari MD Professor in the Radiology department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Animals
Ascariasis
Ascaris lumbricoides
Child, Preschool
Female
Humans
Ileal Diseases
Intestinal Perforation
Ultrasonography