Korean J Radiol.  2001 Sep;2(3):175-178. 10.3348/kjr.2001.2.3.175.

Biliary Ascariasis: MR Cholangiography Findings in Two Cases

• Hwang CM
• Kim TK
• Ha HK
• Kim PN
• Lee MG

• KMID: 754104
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/kjr.2001.2.3.175

Abstract

We describe the imaging features of two cases of biliary ascariasis. Ultrasonography and CT showed no specific abnormal findings, but MR cholangiography clearly demonstrated an intraductal linear filling defect that led to the correct diagnosis. MR cholangiography is thus a useful technique for the diagnosis of biliary ascariasis.

Keyword

Bile ducts, MR; Bile ducts, diseases; Ascariasis

MeSH Terms

Adult
Animal
Ascariasis/*diagnosis
*Ascaris lumbricoides
*Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic
Biliary Tract Diseases/*diagnosis/*parasitology
Common Bile Duct Diseases/*diagnosis/*parasitology
Female
Human
*Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Biliary ascariasis in a 44-year-old woman. A. Upper abdominal CT scan shows dilation of the intrahepatic bile ducts in the left lobe and a slightly hyperattenuating lesion (arrow) within the dilated bile duct. B. MR cholangiogram shows a linear, tubular hypointense filling defect (white arrows) in the dilated bile duct. C. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiogram shows a linear filling defect (arrow) in the left intrahepatic and common bile duct. D. Photograph obtained during endoscopic extraction of the worm (arrow) shows that this is whitish and extends through the papilla of Vater.

• 

  Fig. 2 Biliary ascariasis in a 41-year-old woman. A. Upper abdominal ultrasonogram shows mild dilatation of the common bile duct. B. Contrast-enhanced upper abdominal CT scan shows mild diffuse enlargement of the pancreas. C. MR cholangiogram shows a hypointense tubular filling defect (arrowheads) in the common bile duct. D. Subsequent MR cholangiogram obtained 5 seconds after C demonstrates movement of the worm in the dilated bile duct. E. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiogram shows a linear filling defect (arrow) in the contrast-filled common bile duct.

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