Unexpected result in the etiological approaching to an anemic case: a leech infestation.
One of the causes of the childhood anemia is gastrointestinal system bleeding, which rarely results from parasites. The authors report on a 3-year-old boy with severe anemia and a history of hematemesis. While they were investigating the cause of the anemia and the hematemesis, a leech showing itself in the nasal passage led to a quick and exact treatment. Leeches should be considered for differential diagnosis of anemia and gastrointestinal system bleeding in the children.
Demirören
Kaan
K
Department of Pediatrics, Cumra State Hospital, Cumra/Konya, Turkey. kaandem@hotmail.com
Calişkan
Umran
U
D000740:Anemia / Q000209:etiology / Q000469:parasitology* / Q000628:therapy; D000818:Animals; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000469:parasitology / Q000628:therapy; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007865:Leeches / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D008297:Male; D010272:Parasitic Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D013551:Swimming Pools