Creeping through the sinuses—unusual intrusion of ascariasis in the nasal cavity of a young female: a case report

Abstract

Ascaris lumbricoides, a prevalent nematode affecting humans, frequently infests the gastrointestinal tract but can also be seen in atypical locations such as the middle ear, nose, epiglottis, and maxillary sinuses. Herein, we present the case of a three-year-old baby girl from a rural background, managed at the Department of ENT, Chaudhary Mohammad Akram Teaching & Research Hospital, Lahore. She presented with 15-day history of unilateral nasal blockage and repugnant nasal discharge from the right nostril. A general physical examination showed a vague firm to hard swelling along the right lateral nasal wall, enlarged right maxillary sinus, and infra-orbital region. Radiographic imaging confirmed a hazy right maxillary sinus. The nasal cavity contained mortified pale-yellow material, and creamy discharge from the maxillary ostium. Surgical exploration revealed no foreign bodies.

Key Words: Ascaris lumbricoides, Maxillary sinusitis, Nasal blockage.