University of Minnesota Medical Center Minneapolis, MN
Gaurav Suryawanshi, MD1, Chimaobi Anugwom, MD2 1University of Minnesota Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN; 2HealthPartners, Regions Hospital, St. Paul, MN
Introduction: Taenia infection is commonly seen in patients who consume raw or undercooked meat as part of their diet. While most often found in Southeast Asia and parts of Africa, it is becoming more prevalent in the United States as the population grows and people travel abroad more frequently. Here we present a case of Taenia species incidentally found on a routine screening colonoscopy in an asymptomatic patient.
Case Description/Methods: A 75-year-old Ethiopian man presented to outpatient gastroenterology clinic for routine screening colonoscopy. The patient’s past medical history was significant for hypertension, hyperlipidemia, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and lumbar stenosis. He had a history of numerous tubular adenomas on prior screening colonoscopies. The patient had no known family history of colon cancer. Laboratory work up in primary care clinic one month prior to procedure showed an elevated total cholesterol but otherwise normal complete blood count, electrolyte panel, and hemoglobin A1C.
During the procedure the patient was noted to have fair preparation of the colon. There were no polyps found; however, at the hepatic flexure and into the transverse colon he was noted to have a large intestinal parasite, felt likely to be a tapeworm. The endoscopist was unable to remove the whole worm but small portions were suctioned out and sent to lab. Parasitic testing in the laboratory confirmed a diagnosis of Taenia species.
On further history following the procedure, the patient noted that his diet consisted of many delicacies that contain raw meat. He was treated with a single weight-based dose of Praziquantel. Patient was noted to be asymptomatic on primary care follow up one year later.
Discussion: Tapeworm infection with species such as Taenia can be commonly seen in patients who consume raw or undercooked meat. While some patients may present with symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or pruritis ani, many are asymptomatic. We want to highlight the importance of obtaining a proper social and dietary history to counsel patients about their risk for infection. Our report highlights a case incidentally found on colonoscopy and successfully treated with a dose of antiparasitic.
Figure: Tapeworm found at the hepatic flexure and transverse colon during screening colonoscopy
Disclosures:
Gaurav Suryawanshi indicated no relevant financial relationships.
Chimaobi Anugwom indicated no relevant financial relationships.
Gaurav Suryawanshi, MD1, Chimaobi Anugwom, MD2. P3694 - Asymptomatic Taenia Infection Found During Routine Screening Colonoscopy, ACG 2024 Annual Scientific Meeting Abstracts. Philadelphia, PA: American College of Gastroenterology.
