Case Report
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World J Gastrointest Endosc. Nov 16, 2010; 2(11): 369-371
Published online Nov 16, 2010. doi: 10.4253/wjge.v2.i11.369
Small bowel parasitosis as cause of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding diagnosed by capsule endoscopy
Dimitrios K Christodoulou, Dimitrios E Sigounas, Konstantinos H Katsanos, Georgios Dimos, Epameinondas V Tsianos
Dimitrios K Christodoulou, Dimitrios E Sigounas, Konstantinos H Katsanos, Epameinondas V Tsianos, Hepato-Gastroenterology, 1st Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Ioannina, Medical School of Ioannina, Ioannina 45100, Greece
Georgios Dimos, Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital of Ioannina “Hatzikosta”, Ioannina 45001, Greece
Epameinondas V Tsianos, Hepato-Gastroenterology, 1st Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Ioannina, Medical School of Ioannina, Ioannina 45100, Greece
Author contributions: Christodoulou DK, Sigounas DE and Katsanos KH reviewed the capsule video as a part of a standard protocol followed in our clinic, while Christodoulou DK and Sigounas DE also co-authored the manuscript; Dimos G was the physician in charge of the patient, responsible for the referral and the follow up; and Tsianos EV commented on the images and the manuscript.
Correspondence to: Epameinondas V Tsianos, MD, PhD, AGAF, Professor of Medicine, 1st Division of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Ioannina 45110, Greece. etsianos@uoi.gr
Telephone: +30-265-1007838 Fax: +30-265-1007883
Received: June 11, 2010
Revised: August 26, 2010
Accepted: September 2, 2010
Published online: November 16, 2010
Abstract

Hookworm infection is a relatively common cause of anemia in endemic areas. However, it is rarely encountered in Europe. In this report we describe the case of a 24-year old patient originating from an endemic area who was admitted due to severe anemia, with an Hct of 15.6% and eosinophilia (Eosinophils: 22.4%). While both esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy were non-diagnostic, capsule endoscopy revealed a large number of hookworms infesting his small bowel and withdrawing blood. The patient was successfully treated with Albendazole. Capsule endoscopy was proven an important tool in diagnosing intestinal parasitosis.

Keywords: Ancylostoma duodenale; Parasitosis; Capsule endoscopy; Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding; Anemia