Ascaris Lumbricoides (also known as roundworm), affects approximately one billion individuals across the globe and is considered the most prevalent helminthic infection. Although asymptomatic in majority of the population, these nematodes have the potential to present with intestinal obstruction and perforation. Biliary ascariasis leading to Common Bile Duct (CBD) obstruction is an uncommon manifestation. Abdominal ultrasound is the non-invasive investigation of choice with a high degree of sensitivity and specificity. Pyogenic cholangitis, liver abscess formation and pancreatitis are potentially life-threatening complications of untreated Hepatobiliary Ascariasis (HBA) hence early diagnosis and appropriate intervention is essential. Surgical intervention in combination with appropriate anthelmintic medications is often required to treat complex HBA. We present an interesting case of complex HBA and review of literature.
Chronic periaortitis is a rare inflammatory condition predominantly affecting the abdominal segment of the aorta. This can present as IgG4 related inflammatory disease, idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis, perianeurysmal retroperitoneal fibrosis and inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysm (IAAA). Aortitis can also be a manifestation of a number of rheumatological large vessel vasculitides such as Takayasu arteritis and giant cell arteritis (GCA). We present three interesting cases of chronic periaortitis and a literature review. The first case shows a classic picture of IgG4 periaortitis. The second case illustrates periaortitis with retroperitoneal fibrosis, ureteric involvement and hydronephrosis, following abdominal aortic aneurysmal stenting. The final case presents as widespread periaortitis due to Takayasu's disease involving the entire aorta including the arch and root of the subclavian artery.
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