Hepatic toxocariasis: US, CT and MRI findings

Visceral larva migrans (VLM) most commonly occurs as a febrile disease of childhood particularly affecting children between 1 and 7 years of age. Pulmonary, dermatological, hepatic, lymphatic, cardiac, rheumatological and neurological manifestations may occur. VLM seems to be a rare disease in adults. We report the imaging findings of a woman with hepatic toxocariasis. Ultrasonography showed a solitary hepatic lesion measuring 4 x 3 cm, displaying a hypoechoic-heterogeneous pattern with ill-defined borders and distal acoustic enhancement, located in the right sub-diaphragmatic area. Two enlarged periportal lymph nodes and moderately dilated intrahepatic biliary ducts were also noted. The probability of toxocariasis was discussed, based on sonographic and biopsy findings, and the final diagnosis was confirmed by a specific ELISA test. In summary, a clinical picture of cholestasis initially resembling hepatitis or malignancy should be further evaluated by imaging techniques, and the ultrasound examiner should be familiar with the possible findings of hepatic toxocariasis, which consist of focal ill-defined hepatic lesions, hepato-splenomegaly, biliary dilatation, sludge and periportal lymph node enlargement.