Massive infestation by Ascaris lumbricoides of the biliary tract: report of a successfully treated case

Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo. 1992 Jan-Feb;34(1):71-5. doi: 10.1590/s0036-46651992000100012.

Abstract

This is a report of a 25 years old black woman from the city of São Paulo, Brazil, who developed acute obstructive cholangitis of Ascaris lumbricoides with septicemia and multiple hepatic abscesses. The patient had sickle cell trait and normal delivery 3 months ago. Massive infestation of the biliary tract by Ascaris lumbricoides was diagnosed by abdominal ultrasonography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiography. Sixty worms were removed from the common bile duct and hepatic abscesses were drained by surgery. The infectious process was polymicrobial. The patient's recovery was complete after a long evolution with a wide spectrum antibiotic therapy. New surgeries were needed to remove residual worms in the biliary tract. The diagnostic methods, clinical-biochemical features and also the clinical and surgical management are presented. The biliary ascariasis pathophysiology is commented.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Ascariasis / complications
  • Ascariasis / therapy*
  • Ascaris lumbricoides*
  • Cholangitis / diagnosis
  • Cholangitis / parasitology*
  • Cholangitis / therapy
  • Common Bile Duct / diagnostic imaging
  • Common Bile Duct / parasitology*
  • Common Bile Duct / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Radiography
  • Ultrasonography