Intestinal ascariasis (ultrasound)

Case contributed by Roberto Monteiro Bastos
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Abdominal distension and vomiting, with absolute constipation for 3 days.

Patient Data

Age: 2 years
Gender: Male
ultrasound

Ultrasound of the abdomen shows hypoechoic tubular structures with well-defined echogenic walls. During real-time evaluation, it was possible to see these structures making curling movements.

Plain radiograph showed signs of constipation.

Case Discussion

Ascariasis is an infection of the gastrointestinal tract, caused by Ascaris lumbricoides. This condition is often related to mechanical bowel obstruction, when there is a large number of worms. 

In this case, the patient presented to the emergency with distension, vomiting and absolute constipation for 3 days. The patient was hospitalized and received mineral oil as a treatment. A few hours later, the worms were expelled.

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