Biliary ascariasis in children

Abstract

The ascaris is a common human parasite and has a world wide distribution. In areas where it is endemic, biliary complications are common. In our locality it occurs mainly in children, presenting with upper abdominal colicky pain usually without jaundice. We have analyzed the positive roentgenological findings of 67 cases which presented in one year. The findings on cholangiography are diagnostic. The worm is seen as a linear translucent filling defect in a dilated common bile duct. Usually it is only faintly outlined by thin tram lines and occasionally there may not be excretion of the contrast material. The attention of radiologists is brought to this condition and the appearances of ascariasis infestation of the intestines are also noted.