Toxocariasis in a 14-year-old boy: A case report

Toxocariasis is a global helminthic zoonosis caused by infection of humans by larvae of Toxocara canis or Toxocara cati. Toxocariasis might be symptomatic (visceral and ocular) or asymptomatic. Here we report the case of a 14-year-old boy with toxocariasis and describe its clinical profile and management. The patient was referred to Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital with suspicion of Budd-Chiari syndrome. He had symptoms of abdomen enlargement, nausea, and vomiting, and laboratory examination results revealed a high proportion of eosinophils in pleural effusion fluid. Additionally, computed tomography angiography revealed bilateral pleural effusion and pericardial effusion. We performed a confirmatory serological diagnostic test for Toxocara, and the result was positive. Oral albendazole and methylprednisolone were administered, and his condition clinically improved. He was eventually discharged from the hospital. We believe that our findings will help in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with toxocariasis having a rare manifestation.