Natural history, clinicoradiologic correlates, and response to triclabendazole in acute massive fascioliasis.
Fascioliasis is highly endemic in the Andean region of South America. Newer serological assays have improved our ability to diagnose acute fascioliasis. The diagnosis was established by Fasciola hepatica serology (Fas2-ELISA or Western blot) in 10 patients. Identifiable exposure included ingestion of watercress (N = 8), alfalfa juice (N = 5), and lettuce (N = 1). Computed tomography of the abdomen showed hepatomegaly (N = 9), track-like hypodense lesions with subcapsular location (N = 8), and subcapsular hematoma (N = 2). Radiologic sequelae included cyst calcifications detectable at least 3 years after treatment. Stool examinations were negative for F. hepatica eggs; serology was positive (Arc II [N = 2], Fas2-ELISA [N = 6], Western blot [N = 2]). The syndrome of eosinophilia, fever, and right upper quadrant pain, elevated transaminases without jaundice, hypodense liver lesions on CT, and an appropriate exposure history suggests acute fascioliasis. Fascioliasis is specifically treatable with a single dose of triclabendazole.
Marcos
Luis A
LA
Institute of Tropical Medicine Alexander von Humboldt (IMTAvH), Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia (UPCH), Lima, Perú. Luis.A.Marcos@uth.tmc.edu
Tagle
Martin
M
Terashima
Angelica
A
Bussalleu
Alejandro
A
Ramirez
Cesar
C
Carrasco
Carlos
C
Valdez
Luis
L
Huerta-Mercado
Jorge
J
Freedman
David O
DO
Vinetz
Joseph M
JM
Gotuzzo
Eduardo
E
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D000871:Anthelmintics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000909:Antibodies, Helminth / Q000097:blood; D000947:Antigens, Helminth / Q000097:blood; D001562:Benzimidazoles / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005210:Fasciola hepatica / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification; D005211:Fascioliasis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000469:parasitology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000077682:Triclabendazole
D000871:Anthelmintics; D000909:Antibodies, Helminth; D000947:Antigens, Helminth; D001562:Benzimidazoles; D000077682:Triclabendazole