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Sonographic evaluation of biliary ascariasis
S Mani1, H Merchant, R Sachdev
1Department of Radiology, BYL Nair Hospital, Bombay, India.
Australasian Radiology
|May 1, 1997
Summary
Ultrasound effectively diagnoses biliary ascariasis, a parasitic worm infection in the bile ducts. This imaging technique accurately identifies worms and monitors treatment success, confirming its clinical utility.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Parasitology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Biliary ascariasis is a significant parasitic infection.
- Accurate diagnosis and monitoring of treatment are crucial for patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound for biliary ascariasis.
- To assess ultrasound's role in monitoring treatment response.
Main Methods:
- Prospective 6-month study involving 14 patients diagnosed with biliary ascariasis via ultrasound.
- Confirmation of diagnosis through endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), bile analysis, or documented intestinal infestation.
- Ultrasound imaging characteristics of worms in the biliary tract were documented.
Main Results:
- Ultrasound demonstrated high accuracy in diagnosing biliary ascariasis, with no false positives or negatives.
- Characteristic ultrasound findings included echogenic, non-shadowing images of worms.
- Follow-up ultrasounds successfully monitored worm expulsion after medical therapy, endoscopic extraction, sphincterotomy, or surgery.
Conclusions:
- Ultrasound is a reliable, non-invasive tool for diagnosing biliary ascariasis.
- Sonography is effective for assessing treatment efficacy and monitoring worm clearance.
- Ultrasound plays a vital role in managing biliary ascariasis.