[Biliary ascaris-induced obstructive jaundice: a case of acute abdomen]

Abstract

Ascaris lumbricoides is one of the most common helminthic diseases worldwide and it can cause various complications. The presence of this worm in the biliary tree, however, is a rare condition, especially in children. We describe a child with biliary ascariasis who was presenting clinical symptoms mimicking surgical acute abdomen. The diagnosis was made by ultrasound. The child was successfully treated with mebendazole and anti-spasmolytic. Biliary ascariasis should be added to the differential diagnosis of acute abdominal pain in patients, even in children, from endemic areas.