Ascaris perforation of the common bile duct demonstrated by intravenous cholangiography

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Parasitology
• Pediatric Surgery

Background:

• Roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides) infections are common globally, particularly in children.
• While typically causing gastrointestinal symptoms, complications involving the biliary system are infrequent.
• Bile duct perforation is an exceptionally rare but serious sequela of ascariasis.

Observation:

• A case study involving a sixteen-month-old female child is presented.
• The patient exhibited symptoms necessitating investigation of the biliary system.
• Diagnostic imaging was employed to elucidate the cause of the patient's condition.

Findings:

• Intravenous cholangiography revealed evidence of common bile duct perforation.
• The perforation was directly attributed to the presence of a roundworm infection.
• This imaging modality successfully demonstrated the rare complication.

Implications:

• Highlights the importance of considering parasitic infections in pediatric biliary emergencies.
• Underscores the diagnostic utility of intravenous cholangiography in identifying rare complications.
• Emphasizes the need for prompt diagnosis and management of ascariasis to prevent severe outcomes.