A Rare Case Report of Postpartum Right Iliac Fossa Pain: Appendicitis Secondary to Enterobius vermicularis

Introduction and importance: Enterobius vermicularis, commonly known as pinworm, falls under the nematode family.It frequently causes pruritus in the perianal region.However, in rare scenarios, this parasite may affect the appendix, resulting in clinical symptoms that mimic acute appendicitis.These occurrences of parasitic infection are often misdiagnosed, particularly during the postpartum period, when abdominal discomfort may be taken as normal physiology.Case presentation: A 27-year-old female presented with complaints of acute right iliac fossa (RIF) pain on postpartum day 45, which was associated with nausea, anorexia, and low-grade fever.The pain was relieved temporarily with pain medications.Clinical discussion: Clinical assessments and sonographic imaging suggested acute appendicitis.An open appendectomy was carried out, and histopathological analysis of the removed appendix confirmed the presence of E. vermicularis.The patient had no previous history of parasitic infections.Her postoperative recovery was smooth, and she received treatment with antihelminth medication.Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of considering parasitic infections as a possible diagnosis for acute appendicitis, even in the postpartum period in appropriate epidemiological contexts.Timely identification and histopathological assessment are critical for effective management, as they help prevent recurrence and reduce the risk of transmission to others in proximity.