Radiological Findings in Hepatobiliary Fascioliasis

Abstract

Objective: In this study, radiological findings of 24 relatives were evaluated who were diagnosed with hepatobiliary fascioliasis with serologic testing and examination of family members. Material and Methods: Twenty-four patients were evaluated by abdominal ultrasonography (US), 23 patients by computed tomography (CT) and 4 patients by magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). Liver function tests, routine biochemistry, IgE and eosinophil levels were analysed in all patients. Ressults: Abdominal US detected pathology in 13 patients and no pathology in 11. CT was performed in 23 patients, and hepatobiliary lesions were detected in 20. Of the 6 cases with biliary dilatation, 4 peripheral enhancements of the bile ducts were noticed on CT examination. Mild biliary dilatation was observed in all of the 4 patients who were evaluated with MRCP and filling defects in the bile ducts were found in 2 of them. ELISA test for Fasciola hepatica was positive in all 24 patients. IgE level was elevated in 19 patients, and eosinophil level was elevated in 17 patients, Leucocyte level was elevated in 14 patients, and alcatene phosphatase level was elevated in 10 patients. Conclusion: In acute phase, CT is and high IgE and eosinophil levels with typical CT findings are significant in the diagnosis. The peripheral enhancement of extrahepatic bile ducts may be a clue for biliary involvement of the disease. MRCP is a useful method in demonstrating biliary dilatation and intraluminal filling defects, which correspond to parasites.