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[Extrahepatic obstructive jaundice caused by Fasciola hepatica]
Revista Cubana De Medicina Tropical
|January 1, 1980
Summary
A 58-year-old woman with long-standing diabetes experienced recurrent jaundice and digestive issues. Intraoperative findings revealed a liver fluke infection (Fasciola hepatica) as the cause.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Parasitology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- A 58-year-old female patient with a 30-year history of diabetes mellitus presented with recurrent gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Previous diagnoses included cholecystopathy, with episodes of jaundice, acholia, and pruritus that resolved spontaneously.
Observation:
- The patient experienced recurring episodes of jaundice, epigastric pain, vomiting, and pruritus over several years.
- The most recent episode, preceding admission, was associated with uncontrolled diabetes and severe symptoms.
Findings:
- Diagnostic imaging of the bile ducts was precluded by iodine allergy.
- Intraoperative exploration revealed an infection with Fasciola hepatica, a parasitic liver fluke.
Implications:
- Fasciola hepatica infection should be considered in patients with recurrent biliary obstruction symptoms, especially in endemic areas.
- This case highlights the importance of considering parasitic infections in complex hepatobiliary presentations, even in patients with comorbidities like diabetes.