Recurrent episodes of upper airway blockage associated with Ascaris lumbricoides causing cardiopulmonary arrest in a young patient

Abstract

Ascaris lumbricoides (AL) is one of the most common helminthic infections of humans, affecting mainly children and malnourished individuals residing in developing countries. It is estimated the 25% of the world's population is infected with this nematode. Infection occurs via ingestion of water and food contaminated by Ascaris eggs, causing asymptomatic infection to disease with abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation and faecal passage of worms. The present report concerns an unusual case in which AL travelled retrograde and lodged in the vocal cords causing upper airway obstruction leading to asystolic cardiac arrest.

Figure 1

Female Ascaris lumbricoides worm, 25 cm long and 3 cm thick at the widest portion recovered from the patient.