123 - Abdominal Angiostrongyliasis

Abstract

Abdominal angiostrongyliasis is caused by Angiostrongylus costaricensis, a nematode parasite living inside mesenteric arterial systems in wild rodents. Vertebrate animals become infected through ingestion of third-stage larvae released in mucous secretions of land mollusks, the intermediate hosts. Man is an accidental host and is affected with an eosinophilic gastroenteritis and its complications: intestinal obstruction and perforation. Fever, abdominal pain, tumor-like lesions in ileo-cecal transition, and blood eosinophilia are the major clinical manifestations. Serology and imaging examinations contribute to a suspected diagnosis. Histopathology may confirm angiostrongyliasis by demonstration of parasitic structures and a huge eosinophilic infiltration, granuloma, and arteritis.