Atypical Presentation of a Rare Parasitic Infection with Fasciola hepatica: A Multidisciplinary Case Report

Am J Case Rep. 2020 Sep 16:21:e924704. doi: 10.12659/AJCR.924704.

Abstract

BACKGROUND Fascioliasis is a zoonotic disease caused by Fasciola hepatica (F. hepatica). This infection is associated with a broad spectrum of clinical symptoms such as fever, eosinophilia, and gastrointestinal symptoms. CASE REPORT We report a case of F. hepatica abdominal mass in the peri-pancreatic region in a 58-year-old man, returned from Venezuela. The patient developed abdominal pain, nausea, anorexia, and weakness. Radiological investigations showed hepatomegaly, as well as mild intra-hepatic and extrahepatic ductal dilatation. The increase in eosinophilia, elevated total IgE titer, and anamnestic data suggested the hypothesis of parasitic infection. The diagnosis was established by high serological titer against F. hepatica. CONCLUSIONS The development of abdominal mass, with jaundice and dilation of the biliary tract, does not always suggest the presence of heteroplasia. Systemic parasitosis represents a not negligible event, especially considering the personal history of life in endemic areas.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Pain
  • Animals
  • Eosinophilia* / diagnosis
  • Fasciola hepatica*
  • Fascioliasis* / diagnosis
  • Fever
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged