[Choledochal obstruction due to Fasciola hepatica (author's transl)]

A 45-year-old woman was admitted in July, 1976 with an acute cholecystitis without jaundice. She had suffered from hepatic colic without fever, jaundice, diarrhea or allergic episodes for the past 8 years. The physical examination only revealed an elective pain on the cystic point. Laboratory data were unremarkable, except for a 12 percent eosinophils. The cholecystogram showed a cholelithiasis. The lithiasis was confirmed during the surgical operation and a fasciolasis was diagnosed after one and 10-12 parasites had been found into the cystic and common bile duct, respectively. A cholecistectomy and choledochoduodenostomy were performed. The patient was treated with 60 mg dehydroemetine during 10 days and 500 mg chloroquine during the other next 10 days. Eggs of Fasciola hepatica were found in the stool culture. The follow-up examinations 3 months and a year after surgery were completely normal. The national literature on this topic is reviewed and the clinical manifestations and therapy of this disease are commented on.