Hepatobiliary ascariasis complicated by obstructive jaundice: case-report and mini-review

Abstract

Introduction. The development of obstructive jaundice caused by hepatobiliary ascariasis is quite rare. The main factors contributing to the occurrence of mechanical obstruction of bile leakage are the death of helminth in the lumen of the duct, the massive invasion of the biliary tract by ascarids, or the accompanying stenotic papillitis. Case presentation. We describe a case of obstructive jaundice in a woman with massive ascariasis of the biliary tract and stenotic papillitis. The treatment strategy consisted in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with mechanical removal of helminths from the bile ducts, papillosphincterotomy, antihelmintic drugs and symptomatic therapy. Conclusions. Biliary ascariasis must enter into the differential diagnosis of biliary duct pathologies, especially in endemic regions for this parasitosis. ERCP may be an important therapeutic method for this disease.

Keywords

• hepatobiliary ascariasis
• mechanical jaundice
• endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
• antihelmintic agents