Rectal bleeding due to Oesophagostomum brumpti: report of a case

A case of oesophagostomiasis of the large intestine in a black Ethiopian sailor is described. Diagnosis was made histologically by finding the parasite in nodules of the intestinal wall. A review of the literature is included.

Hemostasis in schistosomiasis mansoni

Hemostasis was studied in 18 patients with the hepato-intestinal form of Schistosomiasis mansoni and in 23 with the hepato-splenic form. Both groups are compared referring to alterations found. The relations between plasmatic coagulation factors and hepatocytic function tests are studied. In 6 patients the explorations were repeated after administration of hycanthone. In the patients with the hepato-splenic form, the presence of chronic consumptive coagulophathy was found. The coagulopathy disappeared either by treatment with heparine or by splenectomy. This observation points out the importance of splenomegaly in the development of chronic consumptive coagulopathy, and may be an important factor in indicating splenectomy in a patient with portal hypertension due to Schistosomiasis mansoni.

Intestinal anisakiasis. First case report from North America

The first case of intestinal anisakiasis in North America is described. This parasitic disease is recognized as a public health hazard in Japan and Europe. Man becomes infected with a larval form of the nematode Anisakis by consuming raw or undercooked fish containing the parasite. Typically, patients present with acute abdominal syndromes. Clinical and reontgenographic features may cause confusion with regional enteritis. Histologically, a striking oesinophilic granulomatous reaction occurs. Anisakiasis is most effectively prevented by discouraging the consumption of raw fish.

Hernia through the foramen of Winslow

The authors present a patient who has ascarid-containing jejunum herniated through the foramen of Winslow and incarcerated. Some remarkable anatomic abnormalities were noticed upon operation. These consisted of a short ascending colon, an unusually large foramen of Winslow, and smallness of the greater omentum. Before reduction, resection of the herniated and incarcerated segment of jejunum were performed. Barium enema and swallow are valuable diagnostic acids, as well as the plain film of the abdomen, but we prefer gastrographin study. With it the dangers of perforation and peritonitis are avoided.