Cholestasis in human fascioliasis in Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt

This study was conducted to assess cholestasis in human fascioliasis. Twenty five patients, passing Fasciola eggs, were compared to twenty age- and sex-matched healthy controls. All were subjected to thorough clinical examination, stool analysis, complete blood picture, liver function tests (AST, ALT, SAP, GGT and total serum bilirubin). Autoimmune and viral hepatitis (HCV & HBV) were excluded. All cases were subjected to radiological examinations (chest x-ray and abdominal ultrasonography). The study revealed significant elevation of liver enzymes in the patients compared to the controls (p < 0.001). Calcular and non-calcular cholecystitis were common findings among patients (32% and 24% respectively). Ascites (4%) and dilated intra-hepatic biliary radicals (32%) were encountered; pleural effusion was detected by chest x-ray in 20% of cases. So, fascioliasis should be considered in the diagnosis of cholestasis in Fasciola endemic areas.