ASYMPTOMATIC ESOPHAGEAL ANISAKIASIS DETECTED AT MEDICAL CHECK-UP: REPORT OF TWO CASES

Abstract

We herein report two cases of asymptomatic esophageal anisakiasis diagnosed and treated endoscopically. The first case was a 42-year-old man who underwent screening EGD at medical check-up, which revealed an Anisakis larva embedded in the esophageal mucosa proximal to the esophagogastric junction. The larva was successfully removed with a biopsy forceps. The patient had no symptoms either before or after the procedure. The second case was an asymptomatic 55-year-old man who underwent EGD for screening purposes at medical check-up, which revealed an Anisakis larva embedding into the esophagus proximal to the squamocolumnar junction. The larva was removed using a biopsy forceps without developing any symptoms after the procedure. Esophageal anisakiasis is rare but can be diagnosed with steady observation at EGD. In addition to removal of larva, education on the possible risk of the severe form of anisakiasis after consuming raw or undercooked fish seems to be important for its prevention in this asymptomatic patient group.