An unusual abdominal wall mass in a child

Abstract

Abdominal tumors are one of the most common types of pediatric cancer. Therefore, they should always be included in the differential diagnosis of abdominal masses. Here, we present the case of a child whose initial hypothesis of diagnosis contemplated this possibility. Later, it was demonstrated that the abdominal mass found was secondary to a common parasitosis. A 2-year old, moderately malnourished and pale white boy was referred with a history of a rapidly growing, well-limited, middle abdominal mass. The mass was 10 by 3 cm, hard and poorly movable, apparently involving both abdominal rectus muscles. A complete resection was performed, revealing an abdominal wall abscess, with intense eosinophilic proliferation, secondary to a local and intense reaction to innumerous Ascaris lumbricoides eggs. Extra luminal infestations with Ascaris, that usually form peritoneal granulomas have been previously described. However, neither external trauma nor fistula, that could explain the superficial presence of the eggs, was found. This description reinforces the relevance of infectious diseases within the differential diagnosis of abdominal masses, particularly in areas with high prevalence of parasitic infestations.

The Benign Side of the Abdominal Wall: A Pictorial Review of Non-Neoplastic Diseases

“…Abdominal wall abscesses can manifest as an extension of intra-abdominal processes or as primary infections [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ]. Risk factors include surgery, hematomas, diverticulitis, cholecystitis, appendicitis [ 7 ], and Crohn’s disease [ 5 ].…”

“…Then, according to the main components, laboratory results, and clinical history, a differential diagnosis should be made. Based on the origin, abdominal non-neoplastic diseases include infectious processes (e.g., abscesses, necrotizing fasciitis, granulomas, gossypibomas, and fistulae), congenital conditions (e.g., urachal anomalies, defects of the abdominal wall, manifestations of muscular dystrophies, arteriovenous malformations), acquired vascular conditions (e.g., shunts, pseudoaneurysm, and hematomas), and storing and miscellaneous diseases (e.g., injection granulomas from silicone, paraffin, or other drugs; calcinosis; collagen diseases; splenosis; and endometriosis) [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ].…”

Human Soil-transmitted Helminths and Lung Infections: A Guide Review for Respiratory Therapists

“…Some larvae can cause complications in other parts of the body. This could lead to granulomatous peritonitis, atopic dermatitis, and eye infection [11][12][13][14][15][16][17].…”

Clinico-Pathological Profile of Malignant Abdominal Tumors in Children: Experience of the Pediatric Oncology Unit in Bamako

“…Abdominal tumor requires rapid and precise diagnosis for effective management [1]. Malignant abdominal tumors in children represent the set of expansive malignant processes that develop in the abdominal cavity [2].…”