[Toxocariasis mimicking liver tumor]

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Infectious Diseases
• Parasitology

Background:

• Toxocariasis is a common helminth infection known to cause visceral larva migrans in humans.
• The clinical presentation of toxocariasis is diverse and can affect multiple organs, including the liver.

Observation:

• A 60-year-old woman presented with symptoms suggestive of biliary disease, including pain and fever.
• Diagnostic workup revealed liver enzyme abnormalities, significant hypereosinophilia, and a hepatic pseudotumor on imaging.
• Liver biopsy showed granulomatous hepatitis with eosinophilic infiltrate, initially mimicking other hepatic pathologies.

Findings:

• The patient's diagnosis of Toxocara infection was confirmed through antibody titer testing.
• Histopathological findings in the liver, such as granulomatous hepatitis and eosinophilic infiltrates, can resemble neoplastic or other inflammatory conditions.
• Treatment with diethylcarbamazine led to a favorable outcome.

Implications:

• Liver toxocariasis can present with imaging and histological features that mimic hepatic tumors, posing diagnostic challenges.
• Prompt diagnosis and appropriate antiparasitic treatment are essential for managing symptomatic toxocariasis.
• While treatment guidelines are evolving, albendazole and diethylcarbamazine are recommended for symptomatic cases of toxocariasis.