History: 20 yo female with recurrent abdominal pain x 2 years.
Solution: Ascariasis.
Ascariasis is the most common roundworm infection in humans and infects approximately 25% of the world\'s population. In the US it is most common in rural areas and warmer climates, but we do see it, even here in Wisconsin. It is often relatively asymptomatic, but complications can occur. Because the life cycle of the worm goes through the lungs, patients can have cough, SOB, and wheezing, and may even cough up the worms. In the intestines, they can cause abdominal pain, N/V, diarrhea, hematochezia, or other GI symptoms.
In this case, you can see a large worm (they can be up to 40 cm in length) within the proximal small bowel. In fact, if you look closely, you can see the positive oral contrast in the alimentary tract of the worm. Anti-parisitic drugs, often in cycles are usually enough to clear the worms, but in some cases, surgery is necessary.
Ascariasis is the most common roundworm infection in humans and infects approximately 25% of the world\'s population. In the US it is most common in rural areas and warmer climates, but we do see it, even here in Wisconsin. It is often relatively asymptomatic, but complications can occur. Because the life cycle of the worm goes through the lungs, patients can have cough, SOB, and wheezing, and may even cough up the worms. In the intestines, they can cause abdominal pain, N/V, diarrhea, hematochezia, or other GI symptoms.
In this case, you can see a large worm (they can be up to 40 cm in length) within the proximal small bowel. In fact, if you look closely, you can see the positive oral contrast in the alimentary tract of the worm. Anti-parisitic drugs, often in cycles are usually enough to clear the worms, but in some cases, surgery is necessary.
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