Biliary lithiasis associated with ascariasis in a Nigerian woman

We report the occurrence of gallstones and intrahepatic stones in association with ascarid invasion of the biliary tract in a 51-year-old Nigerian woman. Although biliary stones are known to be caused by products of Ascaris worms, no etiological association was demonstrable in this case. Invasion of the biliary tract by Ascaris worms is reported as rare in our environment where intestinal ascariasis is extremely common. It is suggested that the rarity is apparent rather than real and that it is important to bear this condition in mind in view of modern rapid migration of populations.