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Biliary ascariasis in children
Insights
Ascariasis, a common parasitic infection, frequently causes biliary complications, especially in children. Cholangiography reveals characteristic worm-like defects in the bile duct, aiding diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Gastroenterology
- Radiology
Background:
- Ascariasis is a globally prevalent human parasitic infection.
- Biliary complications are frequent in endemic areas, often affecting children.
- Clinical presentation typically involves abdominal pain without jaundice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze roentgenological findings in ascariasis-induced biliary complications.
- To highlight the diagnostic utility of cholangiography for biliary ascariasis.
- To inform radiologists about the characteristic imaging appearances.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 67 cases with positive roentgenological findings over one year.
- Detailed examination of cholangiographic images.
- Correlation of imaging findings with clinical presentation.
Main Results:
- Cholangiography is diagnostic for biliary ascariasis.
- The worm appears as a linear, translucent filling defect in a dilated common bile duct.
- Imaging may show faint outlines or non-excretion of contrast material.
Conclusions:
- Cholangiography is a definitive diagnostic tool for biliary ascariasis.
- Radiologists should be aware of these specific imaging findings.
- Intestinal ascariasis also presents with distinct radiological features.
Abstract:
The ascaris is a common human parasite and has a world wide distribution. In areas where it is endemic, biliary complications are common. In our locality it occurs mainly in children, presenting with upper abdominal colicky pain usually without jaundice. We have analyzed the positive roentgenological findings of 67 cases which presented in one year. The findings on cholangiography are diagnostic. The worm is seen as a linear translucent filling defect in a dilated common bile duct. Usually it is only faintly outlined by thin tram lines and occasionally there may not be excretion of the contrast material. The attention of radiologists is brought to this condition and the appearances of ascariasis infestation of the intestines are also noted.