An unusual case of pinworm infection

We report the case of a 45-year-old female, who was observed in a gastroenterology outpatient clinic with a history of abdominal pain and a positive fecal occult blood test. Physical examination was unremarkable. Colonoscopy was performed, and countless pinworms were identified ([Fig. 1], [2]). In the right colon they were observed as a cluster around some feces, resembling a bezoar ([Fig. 3], [4], [5], [Video 1]).

Enterobiasis is the name given to pinworm infection by Enterobius vermicularis. These parasites are nematodes of less than 15 mm in length and which infect the intestine of mammals, particularly primates, including humans. It is the only parasitic disease that is still common today in developed countries, particularly among children. We present this case for its rarity and curiosity of the images collected.

Fig. 1 Pinworm in the sigmoid colon.

Fig. 2 Pinworm near the ileocecal valve.

Fig. 3 Pinworm “bezoar” in the right colon.

Fig. 4 Pinworm “bezoar” in the right colon.

Fig. 5 Pinworm “bezoar” in the right colon.

Video 1 Countless pinworms in the colon.

Competing interests: None

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