Peritoneal schistosomiasis: an unusual laparoscopic finding

J Pediatr Surg. 2004 Apr;39(4):631-3. doi: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2003.12.027.

Abstract

Laparoscopic surgery is now a common procedure for the cure of appendicitis. Unexpected other laparoscopic findings can be a diagnostic challenge. The authors present a case in which, in addition to typical appendicitis, multiple whitish nodules were found diffusely on the peritoneal surfaces suggesting a differential diagnosis including miliary tuberculosis and carcinoma metastases. The final diagnosis of schistosomiasis, made by histology and serology, had not been suspected. This uncommon and rare presentation deserves to be reported, especially to physicians of nonendemic areas, in an era in which people travel extensively.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Appendicitis / complications
  • Appendicitis / surgery
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Granuloma / diagnosis*
  • Granuloma / parasitology
  • Humans
  • Incidental Findings
  • Laparoscopy*
  • Male
  • Peritoneal Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Peritoneal Diseases / drug therapy
  • Peritoneal Diseases / parasitology
  • Peritoneal Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Praziquantel / therapeutic use
  • Refugees
  • Schistosomiasis / diagnosis*
  • Schistosomiasis / drug therapy
  • Schistosomicides / therapeutic use
  • Switzerland
  • Yemen / ethnology

Substances

  • Schistosomicides
  • Praziquantel