Table of Contents
Definition / general | Pathophysiology | Clinical features | Case reports | Gross description | Microscopic (histologic) description | Microscopic (histologic) images | Cytology images | Differential diagnosisCite this page: Mansouri J. Enterobius vermicularis. PathologyOutlines.com website. https://www.pathologyoutlines.com/topic/appendixenterobius.html. Accessed January 22nd, 2021.
Definition / general
- Also known as pinworm
- Formerly known as oxyuris vermicularis, oxyuriasis
- Most common helminthic infection in children, affects all social strata in the U.S.
Clinical features
- Usually more common in temperate climates
- Usually found in appendix of children ages 7 - 11 years as incidental finding
- Mass of worms may cause obstruction
- May occasionally be associated with appendicitis (Pediatr Surg Int 2004;20:372, Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health 2007;38:20)
- Eggs often deposited at night on perianal skin, causing pruritis ani, irritability, loss of sleep (DPDx - Enterobiasis)
- Eggs can be diagnosed with the cellulose tape technique on perianal skin when child wakes up
- Adult worms may migrate to the lower genital tract and cause a granulomatous reaction
Case reports
- 33 year old woman with clinical appendicitis (Case of the Week #90)
Gross description
- Worms reside in cecum, 1.3 cm long
Microscopic (histologic) description
- Cross section has narrow lateral cuticular alae
Microscopic (histologic) images
Cytology images
Differential diagnosis
- Vegetable matter, whipworm