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Parasitic causes of obstructive jaundice
M J Dennis1, A R Dennison, D L Morris
1Department of Surgery, University Hospital, Nottingham, U.K.
Annals of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology
|April 1, 1989
Summary
Two UK patients experienced obstructive jaundice due to parasitic infections. The cases involved Clonorchis and Echinococcus, both rare parasites in the United Kingdom.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Parasitology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Obstructive jaundice can arise from various etiologies, including parasitic infections.
- Parasitic infestations causing biliary obstruction are uncommon in the United Kingdom.
Observation:
- This report details two distinct cases of parasitic obstructive jaundice in UK patients.
- Case 1 involved Clonorchis, a liver fluke, leading to biliary obstruction.
- Case 2 involved Echinococcus, a tapeworm, causing obstructive jaundice.
Findings:
- The study highlights the presentation of Clonorchis-induced obstructive jaundice.
- The study documents an unusual case of Echinococcus causing obstructive jaundice.
- Both Clonorchis and Echinococcus are identified as rare causes of obstructive jaundice in this region.
Implications:
- These cases underscore the importance of considering rare parasitic infections in the differential diagnosis of obstructive jaundice, even in non-endemic regions.
- Increased awareness among clinicians is crucial for timely diagnosis and management of such uncommon parasitic diseases.
- Further surveillance may be warranted to understand the epidemiology of imported parasitic diseases presenting with obstructive jaundice.