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CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · Journal of Digestive Endoscopy 2014; 05(02): 080-082
DOI: 10.4103/0976-5042.144836
Case Report
Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy of India

Endoscopy in a rare presentation of worms

Mallikarjun Patil
Departments of Gastroenterology, St. John's Medical College, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
,
Keyur A. Sheth
Departments of Gastroenterology, St. John's Medical College, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
,
Harshad Devarbhavi
Departments of Gastroenterology, St. John's Medical College, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
26 September 2019 (online)

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Abstract

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding can be a life threatening complication. Hookworms infestation usually causes chronic blood loss resulting in anemia. A 52 year old male presented to us with massive gastrointestinal blood loss and hemodynamic instability. On examination he had anemia, which on evaluation was iron deficient microcytic hypochromic anemia with eosinophilia. On evaluation of small bowel mucosa showed multiple hookworms moving on the surface. He improved with anthelmintics, blood transfusion and supportive management. The repeat evaluation showed eradication of worms. Hookworms presenting as a massive gastrointestinal bleeding is a rare entity. Enteroscopy plays an important role in diagnosing hookworm infestation.

Key words

Enteroscopy - gastrointestinal bleed - hookworms
 

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