Ascaris lumbricoides infection causing respiratory distress after coronary artery bypass grafting

Abstract

Background: Ascaris lumbricoides infects an estimated 1.2 billion people worldwide, but is usually asymptomatic. Herein we report a case of acute respiratory distress caused by upper airway obstruction due to an adult A. lumbricoides nematodes after cardiac surgery.

Methods: Case report and review of pertinent literature.

Case report: A 70-year old female, until recently a resident of the rural Philippines, underwent coronary bypass grafting in New York City. Nine hours after surgery (one hour after endotracheal extubation), cough and arterial oxygen desaturation prompted airway suctioning, which retrieved an adult nematode from the posterior oroharynx. symptomes abated immediately, after which the patient receive a curative course of mebendazole.

Conclusion: Although infection with A. lumbricoides is rare in the United States, it may become manifest with severe consequences in the postoperative period.