ICD-10: B87.82

Intestinal myiasis, classified under ICD-10 code B87.82, refers to a parasitic infestation of the intestines caused by the larvae of certain fly species. This condition is relatively rare and typically occurs when the larvae are ingested, often through contaminated food or water. Below is a detailed overview of intestinal myiasis, including its clinical description, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Clinical Description

Definition

Intestinal myiasis is characterized by the presence of fly larvae in the gastrointestinal tract. The most common culprits are species from the families Calliphoridae (blowflies) and Sarcophagidae (flesh flies). These larvae can cause various gastrointestinal disturbances and may lead to more severe complications if not treated promptly.

Pathophysiology

The larvae of these flies can survive in the human digestive system, where they may feed on the intestinal contents. In some cases, they can cause tissue damage, leading to inflammation and ulceration of the intestinal lining. The condition is more prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, where the flies are endemic.

Symptoms

Patients with intestinal myiasis may present with a range of symptoms, which can vary in severity. Common symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain: Often crampy or colicky in nature.
• Nausea and vomiting: These symptoms may occur due to irritation of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Diarrhea: This can be watery and may contain mucus or blood in severe cases.
• Weight loss: Chronic infestation can lead to malnutrition and weight loss.
• Anorexia: A decrease in appetite is common due to gastrointestinal discomfort.

In severe cases, complications such as intestinal obstruction or perforation may occur, necessitating urgent medical intervention.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of intestinal myiasis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation and laboratory tests:

• Clinical History: A thorough history of potential exposure to contaminated food or environments is crucial.
• Stool Examination: Microscopic examination of stool samples may reveal larvae or eggs.
• Imaging Studies: Ultrasound or CT scans may be used to assess for complications like obstruction or perforation.
• Endoscopy: In some cases, endoscopic examination may be performed to visualize the intestinal lining and potentially retrieve larvae.

Treatment

Treatment for intestinal myiasis primarily focuses on the removal of the larvae and managing symptoms. Options include:

• Antiparasitic Medications: Drugs such as ivermectin may be effective against certain types of larvae.
• Supportive Care: This includes hydration and electrolyte management, especially in cases of severe diarrhea or vomiting.
• Surgical Intervention: In cases of intestinal obstruction or perforation, surgical removal of the affected segment may be necessary.

Conclusion

Intestinal myiasis, coded as B87.82 in the ICD-10 classification, is a parasitic condition that can lead to significant gastrointestinal distress. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to prevent complications. Awareness of the condition is particularly important in regions where the causative fly species are prevalent, as preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of infestation.

Intestinal myiasis, classified under ICD-10 code B87.82, is a rare parasitic infection caused by the invasion of fly larvae (maggots) into the intestinal tract. Understanding its clinical presentation, signs, symptoms, and patient characteristics is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.

Clinical Presentation

Overview

Intestinal myiasis typically occurs when larvae of certain fly species, such as Musca domestica (housefly) or Cochliomyia hominivorax (screwworm), infest the gastrointestinal tract. This condition is more common in individuals with compromised health or poor hygiene, and it can lead to significant morbidity if not addressed promptly.

Signs and Symptoms

The clinical manifestations of intestinal myiasis can vary widely among patients, but common signs and symptoms include:

• Abdominal Pain: Patients often report cramping or sharp abdominal pain, which may be intermittent or constant.
• Diarrhea: Frequent, watery stools may occur, sometimes containing visible larvae or blood.
• Nausea and Vomiting: These symptoms can accompany abdominal discomfort, leading to dehydration.
• Anorexia: A loss of appetite is common, as the infection can cause significant gastrointestinal distress.
• Weight Loss: Prolonged infection may lead to unintentional weight loss due to decreased food intake and nutrient absorption.
• Fever: Some patients may develop a low-grade fever as a response to the infection.
• Signs of Intestinal Obstruction: In severe cases, the presence of larvae can lead to intestinal blockage, presenting with symptoms such as severe abdominal distension and constipation.

Patient Characteristics

Certain demographic and health-related factors can predispose individuals to intestinal myiasis:

• Age: While it can affect individuals of any age, it is more frequently reported in children and the elderly, who may have weaker immune systems.
• Underlying Health Conditions: Patients with malnutrition, chronic illnesses, or immunocompromised states (e.g., HIV/AIDS, cancer) are at higher risk.
• Geographic Location: Intestinal myiasis is more prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions where the fly species that cause myiasis are endemic.
• Hygiene Practices: Poor sanitation and hygiene, particularly in areas with inadequate waste disposal, increase the risk of exposure to fly larvae.

Conclusion

Intestinal myiasis (ICD-10 code B87.82) presents with a range of gastrointestinal symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea, often exacerbated by underlying health conditions and poor hygiene practices. Early recognition and treatment are essential to prevent complications, such as intestinal obstruction or severe dehydration. Awareness of the risk factors and clinical signs can aid healthcare providers in diagnosing and managing this rare but serious condition effectively.

Intestinal myiasis, classified under the ICD-10-CM code B87.82, refers to a condition where fly larvae infest the intestines of a host, leading to various gastrointestinal symptoms. Understanding alternative names and related terms for this condition can enhance clarity in medical communication and documentation. Below are some of the alternative names and related terms associated with intestinal myiasis.

Alternative Names for Intestinal Myiasis

1. Intestinal Myiasis: This is the primary term used in medical literature and coding.
2. Enteric Myiasis: This term emphasizes the intestinal (enteric) location of the infestation.
3. Gastrointestinal Myiasis: A broader term that includes infestations in the entire gastrointestinal tract, not limited to the intestines.
4. Myiasis Intestinalis: A Latin term that is sometimes used in medical contexts to refer to intestinal myiasis.

Related Terms

1. Myiasis: A general term for the infestation of live human and vertebrate animals with dipterous larvae (fly larvae), which can occur in various body parts, including the skin, wounds, and intestines.
2. Larval Infestation: This term describes the presence of larvae in the body, which can be a broader category that includes intestinal myiasis.
3. Dipteran Infestation: Refers to infestations caused by flies, the family of insects responsible for myiasis.
4. Helminthiasis: While not directly synonymous, this term refers to infections caused by parasitic worms, which can sometimes be confused with myiasis in discussions of gastrointestinal infestations.

Clinical Context

Intestinal myiasis is relatively rare and often associated with poor hygiene or specific environmental conditions that favor the breeding of flies. It can lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea, and may require medical intervention to remove the larvae and treat any resulting complications.

Understanding these alternative names and related terms can aid healthcare professionals in accurately diagnosing and discussing cases of intestinal myiasis, ensuring effective communication and treatment strategies.

Intestinal myiasis, classified under ICD-10 code B87.82, refers to the infestation of the intestines by larvae of certain fly species. The diagnosis of intestinal myiasis involves several criteria, which can be categorized into clinical presentation, laboratory findings, and epidemiological factors.

Clinical Presentation

1. Symptoms: Patients may present with a range of gastrointestinal symptoms, including:
   - Abdominal pain
   - Diarrhea
   - Nausea and vomiting
   - Anorexia
   - Weight loss
   - Possible intestinal obstruction in severe cases

2. History of Exposure: A thorough patient history is crucial. This includes:
   - Recent travel to endemic areas where myiasis is common
   - Consumption of contaminated food or water
   - Exposure to environments where fly larvae are prevalent, such as decaying organic matter

Laboratory Findings

1. Stool Examination: The identification of larvae or eggs in stool samples is a key diagnostic criterion. Microscopic examination can reveal:
   - Presence of live larvae
   - Eggs of the causative fly species

2. Imaging Studies: In some cases, imaging studies such as ultrasound or CT scans may be utilized to assess for complications like intestinal obstruction or perforation.

3. Endoscopy: In certain situations, endoscopic examination may be performed to visualize the intestinal lining and directly observe the presence of larvae.

Epidemiological Factors

1. Geographical Distribution: Understanding the geographical prevalence of intestinal myiasis is important. It is more common in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in areas with poor sanitation.

2. Risk Factors: Identifying risk factors such as:
   - Poor hygiene practices
   - Malnutrition
   - Immunocompromised states
   - Living in or visiting areas with high fly populations

Conclusion

The diagnosis of intestinal myiasis (ICD-10 code B87.82) is based on a combination of clinical symptoms, laboratory findings, and epidemiological context. A comprehensive approach that includes patient history, stool analysis, and possibly imaging or endoscopic procedures is essential for accurate diagnosis and subsequent management. If you suspect intestinal myiasis, it is crucial to consult healthcare professionals for appropriate testing and treatment.

Intestinal myiasis, classified under ICD-10 code B87.82, is a rare condition caused by the infestation of the intestines by fly larvae, particularly those of the genus Dermatobia or Cochliomyia. This condition can lead to various gastrointestinal symptoms and complications, necessitating appropriate treatment approaches. Below, we explore standard treatment methods for intestinal myiasis.

Understanding Intestinal Myiasis

Intestinal myiasis occurs when fly larvae invade the gastrointestinal tract, often following the ingestion of contaminated food or water. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and in severe cases, intestinal obstruction or perforation. Diagnosis typically involves clinical evaluation and may be confirmed through imaging studies or endoscopy, which can reveal the presence of larvae.

Standard Treatment Approaches

1. Medical Management

• Antiparasitic Medications: The primary treatment for intestinal myiasis involves the use of antiparasitic agents. Ivermectin is commonly prescribed due to its efficacy against various parasitic infections, including those caused by larvae. Dosage and duration depend on the severity of the infestation and the patient's overall health status[1].

• Supportive Care: Patients may require supportive care to manage symptoms. This includes hydration therapy for those experiencing diarrhea or vomiting, as well as pain management strategies. Nutritional support may also be necessary if the patient is unable to maintain adequate oral intake[2].

2. Surgical Intervention

In cases where there is significant intestinal obstruction, perforation, or other severe complications, surgical intervention may be necessary. This could involve:

• Endoscopic Removal: In some instances, endoscopy can be used to remove larvae directly from the intestinal tract, providing immediate relief from symptoms and preventing further complications[3].

• Laparotomy: For more severe cases, a laparotomy may be performed to access the intestines and remove any obstructive masses or damaged tissue. This is typically reserved for cases where non-invasive methods are insufficient[4].

3. Preventive Measures

Preventing intestinal myiasis involves addressing the risk factors associated with fly infestations. Key preventive strategies include:

• Food Safety: Ensuring proper food handling and hygiene practices can reduce the risk of contamination. This includes cooking food thoroughly and avoiding consumption of food that may have been exposed to flies[5].

• Environmental Control: Reducing fly populations in areas where food is prepared or consumed can help prevent infestations. This may involve using screens, traps, and proper waste management practices[6].

Conclusion

Intestinal myiasis, while rare, requires prompt and effective treatment to prevent complications. The standard treatment approaches include antiparasitic medications, supportive care, and, in severe cases, surgical intervention. Preventive measures focusing on food safety and environmental control are crucial in reducing the risk of this condition. If you suspect intestinal myiasis, it is essential to seek medical attention for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

References

1. Antiparasitic agents and their use in treating intestinal myiasis.
2. Supportive care strategies for gastrointestinal infestations.
3. Endoscopic techniques for larval removal in intestinal myiasis.
4. Surgical options for severe cases of intestinal myiasis.
5. Importance of food safety in preventing myiasis.
6. Environmental strategies to control fly populations.