Sections View Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Annotate Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Supplementary Content + Download Section PDF Listen ++ For further information, see CMDT Part 35-27: Angiostrongyliasis + Key Features Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ Angiostrongylus costaricensis causes gastrointestinal inflammation Human infection follows ingestion of larvae within slugs or snails or on material contaminated by these organisms Since the parasites are not in their natural hosts, they cannot complete their life cycles However, they can cause disease after migrating to the brain or gastrointestinal tract + Clinical Findings Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ Parasites penetrate ileocecal vasculature and develop into adults, which lay eggs, but do not complete their life cycle Disease is due to an inflammatory response to dying worms in the intestinal tract, with an eosinophilic granulomatous response, at times including vasculitis and ischemic necrosis Common findings mimic appendicitis and include Abdominal pain (commonly localized to right lower quadrant) Vomiting Fever A mass may be appreciated Symptoms may recur over months Uncommon findings Intestinal perforation or obstruction Disease due to migration of worms to other sites + Diagnosis Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ Biopsy of inflamed intestinal tissue may show worms localized to mesenteric arteries and eosinophilic granulomas + Treatment Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ Many cases managed surgically, usually for suspected appendicitis It is not known if antihelminthic therapy is helpful