Fatal ascaris pancreatitis: an uncommon problem in the west.
Gastrointestinal parasites, although an uncommon cause of biliary and pancreatic problems in western medicine, can produce fatal complications. A Swiss patient presented with acute pancreatitis, with no evidence of gall stones or history of alcohol abuse. He died after a short fulminant illness. At necropsy, an Ascaris lumbracoides was found impacted within the ampulla of Vater and serves as a reminder that non-indigenous causes of biliary tract obstruction should not be overlooked.
Maddern
G J
GJ
Department of Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Inselspital, Berne, Switzerland.
Dennison
A R
AR
Blumgart
L H
LH
D000368:Aged; D014670:Ampulla of Vater / Q000469:parasitology*; D000818:Animals; D001196:Ascariasis / Q000469:parasitology*; D001200:Ascaris / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010195:Pancreatitis / Q000469:parasitology*