Ascariasis presenting as acute abdomen-a case report

Abstract

Infection with Ascaris lumbricoides is common in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Prevalence of ascariasis is related to poverty, poor hygiene and poor fecal sanitation. This helminth usually lives harmlessly in small intestine but can also cause intestinal obstruction or perforation peritonitis which is common in childhood. Ascaris can also migrate through ampulla of vater to produce cholangitis, pancreatitis,cholecystitis and rarely hepatic abscess. Ascaris induced hepatic abscess can sometimes present with acute abdomen (like acute pyogenic abscess). We present a young adult with Ascaris induces hepatic abscess who presented and a case of acute abdomen in emergency department. © Association of Surgeons of India 2012.