Apinya Leerapun1, Siripa Puasripun2, Phuripong Kijdamrongthum2, Satawat Thongsawat2. 1. Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand. atositarat@yahoo.com. 2. Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Human fascioliasis, caused by the liver flukes F. hepatica, and F. gigantica, is a neglected tropical disease that causes health problems in many regions of the world. This disease can be classified as either acute or chronic based depending on the clinical manifestations and laboratory findings. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the demographic data, clinical features, radiologic manifestations, and the response to specific treatment of patients diagnosed with hepatic fascioliasis as well as fasciola liver abscess in Thailand. RESULTS: A total of 175 patients were included in the study, 126 patients were females (72%), while the mean age was 47.8 years (16-84 years). The most common symptoms were abdominal pain (74.9%), weight loss (29.1%) and fever (28%). Peripheral eosinophilia was observed in 92% of patients. The typical radiologic findings discovered conglomerated hypodensity which are rim-enhancing lesions located in the subcapsular and peripheral region of the liver. Most of patients were improved after a single dose of triclabendazole treatment. Adding antibiotic had no statistical impact on treatment outcome (p = 0.78). CONCLUSIONS: Human fascioliasis presents with a wide clinical spectrum; therefore, a high index of suspicion is required to establish a correct diagnosis. Clinicians need to be aware of hepatic fascioliasis when patients in such endemic areas present as hypereosinophilia and typical liver imaging. Prompt specific treatments will contribute towards a satisfactory outcome in patients.
BACKGROUND:Humanfascioliasis, caused by the liver flukes F. hepatica, and F. gigantica, is a neglected tropical disease that causes health problems in many regions of the world. This disease can be classified as either acute or chronic based depending on the clinical manifestations and laboratory findings. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the demographic data, clinical features, radiologic manifestations, and the response to specific treatment of patients diagnosed with hepatic fascioliasis as well as fasciola liver abscess in Thailand. RESULTS: A total of 175 patients were included in the study, 126 patients were females (72%), while the mean age was 47.8 years (16-84 years). The most common symptoms were abdominal pain (74.9%), weight loss (29.1%) and fever (28%). Peripheral eosinophilia was observed in 92% of patients. The typical radiologic findings discovered conglomerated hypodensity which are rim-enhancing lesions located in the subcapsular and peripheral region of the liver. Most of patients were improved after a single dose of triclabendazole treatment. Adding antibiotic had no statistical impact on treatment outcome (p = 0.78). CONCLUSIONS:Humanfascioliasis presents with a wide clinical spectrum; therefore, a high index of suspicion is required to establish a correct diagnosis. Clinicians need to be aware of hepatic fascioliasis when patients in such endemic areas present as hypereosinophilia and typical liver imaging. Prompt specific treatments will contribute towards a satisfactory outcome in patients.
Entities:
Keywords:
Hepatic fascioliasis; Human fascioliasis; Liver abscess
Authors: P M Intapan; W Maleewong; C Wongkham; K Tomanakarn; K Ieamviteevanich; V Pipitgool; V Sukolapong Journal: Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health Date: 1998-09 Impact factor: 0.267