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Biliary ascariasis ‐ a worm in the duct
Author(s) -
Kolt Steven D,
Wirth Peter D,
Speer Antony G
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
medical journal of australia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.904
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1326-5377
pISSN - 0025-729X
DOI - 10.5694/j.1326-5377.1991.tb121229.x
Subject(s) - ascaris lumbricoides , ascariasis , medicine , cholecystectomy , common bile duct , cholangiography , pancreatitis , surgery , general surgery , gastroenterology , helminths , immunology
Objective Migration of Ascaris lumbricoides into the biliary tree may cause biliary obstruction, cholangitis or pancreatitis. Although common in endemic areas, none of these complications have previously been reported in Australia. We report here a case of obstruction of the common bile duct by an ascarid. Clinical features A 62‐year‐old female Vietnamese migrant presented with cholangitis and underwent a cholecystectomy. Subsequently, ultrasound and cholangiography revealed an ascarid in the common bile duct. Intervention and outcome This worm was endoscopically removed and the patient's symptoms rapidly resolved. Conclusion As a result of increased migration to Australia, such cases will be recognised more frequently in the future. Patients at risk should be carefully imaged prior to definitive therapy.