Hookworm Infection Mimicking Crohn’s Disease: Diagnosed with Wireless Capsule Endoscopy - Abstract
Hookworm infestation of small bowel on Wireless Capsule Endoscopy (WCE) was reported in the adult population but not in children. It is an uncommon cause of iron deficiency anemia and abdominal pain in Midwestern United States. The purpose of this case report is to alert other physicians that small bowel hookworm infections could be incidentally found on WCE in non-endemic regions of the US.
A 15 year-old Caucasian female was seen in the clinic with 3-month history of abdominal pain and fatigue. She had no recent travel history or sick contacts. Laboratory findings revealed iron deficiency anemia. Imaging tests, upper endoscopy and ileo-colonoscopy were normal. The patient underwent WCE for suspected small bowel Crohn’s Disease, and several hookworms were visualized in the small bowel. She was treated with mebendazole. The follow up laboratory test revealed normal albumin-CBC and ESR after the treatment.