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Fascioliasis in pregnancy.
Adnan Alatoom1, Jeanne Sheffield, Rita M Gander
1Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9073, USA.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|August 2, 2008
Summary
Fascioliasis, a liver fluke infection, is rare in the US but can mimic gallstones in pregnant patients. Early diagnosis and treatment with triclabendazole are crucial for favorable outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Hepatology
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Fascioliasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by Fasciola liver flukes.
- Zoonotic transmission is common globally, but US cases are infrequent and linked to specific populations.
- Physician unfamiliarity may contribute to underdiagnosis in non-endemic regions.
Observation:
- A pregnant patient presented with symptoms suggestive of cholelithiasis (gallstones).
- Diagnostic procedures revealed infection with Fasciola hepatica, a liver fluke.
- The patient had a history of travel to endemic areas in Central Mexico.
Findings:
- Fascioliasis diagnosis in pregnancy can be challenging due to overlapping symptoms with common obstetric conditions.
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography identified the liver fluke in the bile duct.
- Treatment with triclabendazole resulted in successful clinical improvement.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider fascioliasis in pregnant patients with biliary symptoms, especially those with relevant travel history.
- Awareness of fascioliasis is critical for timely diagnosis and management in high-risk populations.
- This case highlights the importance of considering parasitic infections in differential diagnoses during pregnancy.
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