Hepatobiliary Fascioliasis: Clinical and Radiological Features

Abstract

Fascioliasis is a worldwide but unevenly distributed zoonosis caused by the trematode Fasciola hepatica that infects do­mesti­cated herbivores. Fasciolosis also occurs accidentally in humans by ingestion of metacercaria-laden freshwater or water plants. Human infections are common in developing countries and are not rare in Europe. The clinical course has been con­ventionally described in two phases: an acute phase of hepatic parenchymal invasion of an immature worm larva (parenchy­mal phase) and a stationary phase after residence in the bile duct and production of eggs (ductal phase). We report a 34 years old woman from Ilam, western Iran with hepatic disorder, RUQ pain, and jaundice. The diagnosis was made by sonography, CT scan and serologic studies. Serologic exam (ELISA) was positive & CT findings were compatible with fascio­liasis.