Abstract

Background
/Aims: Although the overall infection rate of infection with parasites has decreased, the rate of food- mediated infection with parasites has not declined. This study was conducted to define the various endoscopic and clinical characteristics of gastrointestinal (GI) parasite infections diagnosed endoscopically. Methods: We reviewed retrospectively the medical records including the endoscopic reports of 27 patients with GI parasite infections diagnosed endoscopically at University Hospital from January 1993 through September 2006. Results: Among 27 patients with a GI parasite infection, 66.7% were female and food-mediated parasite infections including anisakiasis accounted for 77.8% of all of the infections. Soil-mediated parasites were still detected. Extremely rare cases of echinostomiasis and diphyllobothriasis were also identified. Abdominal pain was most frequent symptom (48.1%) and even intestinal or biliary obstructions were seen. The most common endoscopic finding was a visible worm, and various findings including the presence of a pseudotumor were observed. The median period from symptom onset to endoscopy was 15 days for anisakiasis with a pseudotumor compared to 1 day for anisakiasis without a pseudotumor. Conclusions: Endoscopy revealed the presence of various GI parasite infections as well as the presence of anisakiasis, a food-mediated parasitic disease. Various clinical and endoscopic features were seen, including GI bleeding, obstruction, and a pseudotumor. Therefore, a thorough endoscopic examination is required promptly together with detailed history taking concerning the consumption of raw fish. (Korean J Gastrointest Endosc 2007;35:304-312)

• Keywords: Gastrointestinal, Parasites, Endoscopic, Clinical characteristics