An uninvited guest, Ascaris in the bile duct causing cholangitis successfully treated with surgery
Journal
Journal of Surgical Case Reports
ISSN
2042-8812
Date Issued
2024-04-01
Author(s)
Darwin R Ramos
Antonio S Robalino
Daniel L Mogrovejo
Doménica A Suárez
Aitana E Ross Proaño
Diana E Parrales
Gabriel A Molina
Abstract
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title>
<jats:p>Parasitic infections continue to be a burden for developing countries—the lack of hygiene measures and clean water results in dangerous scenarios that can lead to challenging problems. Most Ascaris lumbricoides infections are usually mild; nonetheless, in rare cases in endemic regions, they can migrate to the bile duct and cause severe complications requiring surgery. We present the case of a 43-year-old woman who had severe cholangitis due to A. lumbricoides. The worm migrated from the bowel and obstructed the bile duct; after surgery, the patient fully recovered.</jats:p>
<jats:p>Parasitic infections continue to be a burden for developing countries—the lack of hygiene measures and clean water results in dangerous scenarios that can lead to challenging problems. Most Ascaris lumbricoides infections are usually mild; nonetheless, in rare cases in endemic regions, they can migrate to the bile duct and cause severe complications requiring surgery. We present the case of a 43-year-old woman who had severe cholangitis due to A. lumbricoides. The worm migrated from the bowel and obstructed the bile duct; after surgery, the patient fully recovered.</jats:p>