Sonographic diagnosis in intestinal Ascariasis

Abstract

Ascaris Lumbricoides belongs to Nemathelminthes group and is one of the largest human nematode, which entrenches in the small intestine. Abdominopelvic Sonographic evaluation of 350 patients was done at Medical Camp in "Skardu" Baltistan, Pakistan, with features of "RAP" recurrent abdominal pain, dyspepsia, urinary retention, dysmenorrhea, biliary and renal colic etc. In 15 patients apart from other findings, linear, curved, tramline like echogenic structures were seen in the small intestine and stomach without any acoustic enhancement or shadowing. Cases with similar findings were also detected at Jinnah Hospital, Lahore. Findings were confirmed on barium study. According to WHO estimate 1.3 billion population is having worm infestation, Hence stressing upon the efficacy and importance of ultrasonography in diagnosis of intestinal ascariasis due to its easy availability, inexpensive and being non invasive.