Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 8, 2026
A Silver Nanoparticle Method for Ameliorating Biliary Atresia Syndrome in Mice
Published on: October 13, 2018
Biliary Ascariasis in a Pediatric Patient in Lithuania: Case Report and Literature Review
Rūta Rokaitė1, Mindaugas Dženkaitis2, Melita Nedzinskaitė1
1Department of Pediatrics, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania.
Insights
Hepatobiliary ascariasis, caused by the nematode Ascaris lumbricoides, can obstruct the biliary tract in children. Diagnosis involves imaging, and treatment may require parasite removal.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Parasitology
- Pediatric Medicine
Background:
- Hepatobiliary ascariasis occurs when the nematode Ascaris lumbricoides migrates from the duodenum to the biliary duct.
- This condition can lead to extrahepatic biliary tract obstruction, particularly in pediatric patients.
Observation:
- A pediatric case presented with abdominal pain, vomiting, and jaundice, indicative of biliary disease.
- Imaging studies, including ultrasound, MRCP, and ERCP, confirmed biliary ascariasis.
Findings:
- ERCP revealed only residual Ascaris parasite fragments, suggesting partial obstruction or prior expulsion.
- The case highlights the diagnostic challenges and varied presentations of biliary ascariasis.
Implications:
- Understanding the prevalence and migration patterns of Ascaris is crucial for pediatric care.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate management of biliary ascariasis can prevent severe complications.
Abstract:
Hepatobiliary ascariasis is caused by the entry of the nematode A. lumbricoides from the duodenum into the biliary duct. We report a case of an Ascaris-induced extrahepatic biliary tract obstruction in a pediatric patient admitted to the hospital due to a wide spectrum of symptoms of biliary disease, which included abdominal pain in the upper abdominal quadrants, vomiting, and jaundice. Imaging tests-including ultrasound, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-were performed to confirm the diagnosis of biliary ascariasis. The tests did, in fact, demonstrate signs of this disease. Nevertheless, during the ERCP, only the remains of Ascaris parasites in the form of tissue fragments were extracted. We also aim to discuss the prevalence of ascariasis in children, the causes of migration of Ascaris parasites into the bile ducts, together with its clinical manifestations, as well as the diagnostic and treatment methods of this disease.
