Intestinal perforation and peritonitis due to Taenia saginata: A case report from Iran

Taenia saginata (T. saginata) is one of the most common cestode in human. We report a case of intestinal perforation caused due to T. saginata infection. The patient, 54-year-old female, had intermittent abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting on referral. Intestinal obstruction and perforation leading to necrosis, and volvulus due to an impacted tapeworm was observed. Histopathological examinations showed acute inflammation with mucosal ulceration, and luminal exudates accompanied by an elongated and flattened segment of the helminth. Taenia infections should be considered in differential diagnosis of peritonitis and gastrointestinal tumors, particularly in endemic countries including Iran.