Abstract

DIAZ, S; BASTARDO, N; DIB JR, J  and  LEA, M. Ascaridiasis biliar en un paciente pediátrico. Reporte de caso. Gen [online]. 2009, vol.63, n.4, pp.296-297. ISSN 0016-3503.

ascariasis is the most frequent intestinal parasitosis in humans, with a greater prevalence in undeveloped countries. Hepatobiliary migration of ascaris in children is uncommon, when it occurs; treatment is generally endoscopic or surgical. Clinical case: we present the case of a 13 year old female patient admitted to the emergency room with right upper quadrant persisting pain, of 1-month duration. Laboratory tests revealed elevation hepatic enzymes and WBC. Abdominal ultrasonography (AUS) showed a long, linear, moving echogenic structure in the distended lumen of the gallbladder, with an abnormal dilation of the choledochus. An Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was programmed for the following day. However, the patient spontaneously expelled a long ascaris orally the same day. Another AUS was performed with no evidence of ascaris in the gallbladder or the choledochus; thus the ERCP was differed. Medical treatment was complemented albendazole given orally. AUS is an effective and low cost method in the diagnostical confirmation and monitorization of biliary ascariasis, given the symptoms of pain, cholangitis and acute cholecystitis. Non complicated biliary ascariasis must be treated in a conservative manner given that spontaneous elimination can occur in up to 80% of the cases.

Keywords : Ascaris lumbricoides; gallbladder; biliary colic; abdominal ultrasonography; small bowel series.