Taenia saginata, the incidental find in case of intestinal perforation after blunt trauma and literature review

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Taenia saginata (T. saginata) is one of the most common cestodes in humans. Isolated perforation of the small bowel after blunt abdominal trauma is infrequent and the diagnosis should be based on exclusion. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a 34-year-old man who presented following a car-pedestrian accident. Clinical examinations and symptoms suggested an acute abdomen. Investigations led to the diagnosis of hollow viscus perforation, so emergency laparotomy was performed. At the exploration of peritoneal cavity, unexpectedly, a live tapeworm was found in the peritoneal cavity. The perforation was repaired and medication were continued by anthelmintic. He was discharged with good condition. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: We discuss this rare incidental finding in a patient with bowel perforation and suggest the taeniasis as a possible cause of intestinal perforation. The medical literature and reviews have been searched to find more information about taeniasis and its cause-effect in GI tract complications. CONCLUSION: Increasing the public knowledge about food hygiene and encouraging eat well-cooked meat can control the cycle of transmission of cestodes. Taeniasis should be considered a possible cause of intestinal obstruction or perforation, especially in endemic areas.