Enterobius Vermicularis Infestation Causing Appendiceal Diverticulitis

Abstract

Enterobius vermicularis is one of the parasitic diseases involved in the etiology of acute appendicitis. Appendiceal diverticulitis is a rare clinical condition that often presents with the clinical manifestations of acute appendicitis. A 57-year-old woman was admitted to the emergency department with complaints of abdominal pain and loss of appetite. The patient, whose physical examination and imaging modalities were compatible with acute appendicitis, was hospitalized. An explorative laparotomy showed findings consistent with acute appendicitis, and an appendectomy was performed. No problem was seen during the postoperative follow-up of the patient, and she was discharged with healing. The examination of the pathology specimen revealed the coexistence of appendiceal diverticulitis and E. vermicularis. Although many cases of acute appendicitis due to E. vermicularis infestation have been reported, the coexistence of appendiceal diverticulitis with E. vermicularis has not been reported in the literature. Histopathological confirmation was vital as the necessary anthelmintic treatment was prescribed to the patient and her close contacts, averting the spread of infection.

Keywords

• enterobius vermicularis
• appendiceal diverticulitis
• diverticulitis
• appendicitis