A rare case of gastric ascariasis

ABSTRACT Background Ascariasis, caused by the parasitic roundworm Ascaris lumbricoides , is one of the most common helminthic infections globally. Spread by contaminated soil through the fecal–oral route, A. lumbricoides typically infects the small intestine and has rarely been reported to infect the stomach. Case Summary We describe an unusual case of a male in his 30s with a history of neuroendocrine tumor (NET) who immigrated from Colombia and who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and colonoscopy for further evaluation of abdominal pain. He was incidentally found to have a female Ascaris worm in his stomach that was retrieved during the EGD. Conclusion Despite its rarity, gastric ascariasis can cause various non-specific yet distressing gastrointestinal symptoms in patients, and therefore should be considered in those with risk factors for helminthic infections.