Ascariasis-associated worm encephalopathy in a young child.
Infestation with Ascaris lumbricoides in children has a varied manifestation, but encephalopathy is a very rare presentation. This report describes a case of ascariasis-associated encephalopathy in a child. An 18-month-old boy was admitted with altered sensorium. He had a history of vomiting and was passing Ascaris worms in the vomitus. The cerebrospinal fluid analysis did not reveal any abnormality. The patient was treated with an antihelminthic drug and he recovered completely. Worm encephalopathy should be considered as a differential diagnosis for unexplained encephalopathy in tropical areas.
Jat
Kana Ram
KR
Department of Pediatrics, Advanced Pediatric Center, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India. drkanaram@gmail.com
Marwaha
R K
RK
Panigrahi
Inusha
I
Gupta
Kunal
K
D000818:Animals; D000969:Antinematodal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001196:Ascariasis / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000469:parasitology; D017164:Ascaris lumbricoides; D020809:Central Nervous System Helminthiasis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D011716:Pyrantel Pamoate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014463:Ultrasonography
D000969:Antinematodal Agents; D011716:Pyrantel Pamoate