PANCREATITIS CAUSED BY BILIARY ASCARIASIS IN A 29-YEAR OLD FEMALE

BACKGROUND: Biliary ascariasis results from the entry of the nematode, Ascaris lumbricoides (A. lumbricoides), from the duodenum into the biliary ductal lumen. A wide spectrum of symptoms of biliary and pancreatic disease is seen in these patients.

OBJECTIVE: This case is presented to have better understanding of the epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of pancreatitis caused by biliary ascariasis.

THE CASE: This is a case of a 29 years old female who came in for epigastric pain. Patient was initially managed as a case of gastritis. She was managed as case of pancreatitis after laboratory results of high serum lipase and amylase levels. The cause of pancreatitis was then known after having CT scan, as well as MRCP. ERCP was then done, with removal of three ascaris worms from the patient. Patient was then discharged improved on the fifth hospital day.

SUMMARY: This paper presented female, who was diagnosed with pancreatitis secondary to biliary ascariasis. The condition could present with a myriad of hepatic and pancreatic symptoms. When the final diagnosis was made, the patient was then managed accordingly through ERCP which alleviated her symptoms and led to her gradual recovery. This case clearly highlighted the importance of radiographic imaging in recognition and management of the case, which one might encounter in the future.