Opisthorchiasis mimicking primary biliary cirrhosis as an indication for liver transplantation

Opisthorchiasis, a helminthic infection occurring endemically in certain areas of Europe and Asia is caused by parasites of the class trematoda. Failure to treat or a significant delay in the institution of an adequate therapy can lead to considerable complications in the further course of the disease.

A 56-year-old patient diagnosed with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) with Child-Pugh stage B was referred to our surgical department from a peripheral hospital for liver transplantation. She had spent 50 years of her life in Kazakhstan.

As the treatment of choice, orthotopic liver transplantation was carried out. The routine postoperative pathological analysis of the explanted liver showed the histological picture of opisthorchiasis. Further work-up in an effort to confirm the histological diagnosis was repeatedly negative.

Opisthorchiasis should always be a diagnostic consideration in an unclear case of chronic liver disease especially in patients living in endemic areas.