Fascioliasis: US, CT, and MRI findings with new observations

Abstract

CT findings in the hepatic phase and US findings in the biliary phase are characteristic of fascioliasis. Because clinical and laboratory findings of fascioliasis may easily be confused with several diseases, radiologists should be familiar with the specific radiologic findings of the disease to shorten the usual long-lasting diagnostic process.

Increased anti-Echinococcus granulosus antibody positivity in Fasciola hepatica infection

“…Similar abnormal laboratory and radiological findings may represent viral hepatitis, liver abscess, malignancy, cholecystitis, sclerosing cholangitis, AIDS-related cholangitis, ruptured hydatid cyst, and parasites such as ascariasis and clonorchiasis (1,3). The specificity of the IHA method using purified adult F. hepatica antigen F1 for serological diagnosis of F. hepatica is 96.9% (18).…”

“…The specificity of the IHA method using purified adult F. hepatica antigen F1 for serological diagnosis of F. hepatica is 96.9% (18). Diagnosis is confirmed only by demonstrating the parasites or its egg in the bile or feces (1,3). Negative stool examinations do not rule out the disease (3,7).…”

“…Diagnosis is confirmed only by demonstrating the parasites or its egg in the bile or feces (1,3). Negative stool examinations do not rule out the disease (3,7). A high index of suspicion and specific radiological findings including tunnel-like tracts extending towards the capsule and multiple, hypodense, linear or branching lesions on CT are very helpful in the diagnosis of fascioliasis.…”

“…The diagnosis of F. hepatica infection with hepatic phase was based on: (a) The presence of previously described characteristic findings on the abdominal CT examination (3,14) and exclusion of all known diseases that cause hepatic lesion seen on CT examination; (b) the positive specific IHA for F. hepatica; (c) and/or the presence of eggs of F. hepatica in the fecal examination. The diagnosis of F. hepatica infection with biliary phase was based on the extraction of living F. hepatica during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).…”

“…Diagnosis may be delayed because of the wide spectrum of the differential diagnosis and low incidence of F. hepatica infection (7). Similar abnormal laboratory and radiological findings may represent viral hepatitis, liver abscess, malignancy, cholecystitis, sclerosing cholangitis, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related cholangitis, ruptured hydatid cyst, and parasites such as ascariasis and clonorchiasis (1,3,4).…”