Cholestasis in human fascioliasis in Dakahlia governorate, Egypt

This study was conducted to assess cholestasis in human fascioliasis. Twenty five patients, passing Fasciola eggs, were compared to twenty age- and sex-matched healthy controls. All were subjected to thorough clinical examination, stool analysis, complete blood picture, liver function tests [AST, ALT, SAP, GGT and total serum bilirubin]. Autoimmune and viral hepatitis [HCV and HBV] were excluded. All cases were subjected to radiological examinations [chest X-ray and abdominal ultrasonography]. The study revealed significant elevation of liver enzymes in the patients compared to the controls. Calcular and non-calcular cholecystitis were common findings among patients [32% and 24%, respectively]. Ascites [4%] and dilated intrahepatic biliary radicals [32%] were encountered; pleural effusion was detected by chest X-ray in 20% of cases. So, fascioliasis should be considered in the diagnosis of cholestasis in Fasciola endemic areas