A rare cause of obstructive jaundice: Fasciola hepatica

Abstract

Fasciolasis is a zoonotic infection caused by Fasciola hepatica. This parasite usually infests cattle and sheep. People can become a host of this parasite by ingesting contaminated water and plants in endemic areas. Obstructive jaundice is one of the rare complications caused by this parasite. In this paper, we present a patient with obstructive jaundice caused by Fasciola hepatica, that could not be diagnosed by conventional methods, but diagnosed and treated by ERCP. Obstructive jaundice is a serious clinical problem which is seen frequently. It must be diagnosed and treated immediately. Especially in cases that could not be diagnosed by conventional methods, parasitic infestations such as Fasciola hepatica should be kept in mind, in endemic areas. ERCP plays an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of the disease and can be used safely in these cases.