:29-year -old No Doi Ceu, had been seeing his doctor at a hospital for upper abdominal pain, weakness and nausea which didn't improve with treatment over time. He then visited Gastroenterology specialists at Zulekha Hospital, Sharjah for further investigation and alternate treatment.
From his lab investigations, only a mild increase in Eosinophils was revealed. These types of cells multiply with allergies and intestinal parasites. The patient later developed yellowish skin color, dark urine, fever and persistent abdominal pain. These were the symptoms of Cholangitis which is an obstruction and infection in the canal linking the liver and the intestine. Further, MRCP (Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography) and lab test revealed enlargement of this canal, high bilirubin levels, and liver enzymes along with increased WBC count.
Fascioliasis is a zoonotic infection caused by a liver trematode: fasciola hepatica; which commonly affects cattle and sheep. Humans are accidental hosts and the infection cycle starts with the ingestion of contaminated water or vegetables containing the larvae.
The procedure was successfully performed by the expert medical team comprising of Dr. Mounier, assisted by Dr. Hib Alla Farouk Maskji, Specialist Gastroenterologist and Dr. Ahmed Hamdy Ramadan, Consultant Internal Medicine. After the procedure, the patient speedily recovered and was discharged the next day.
"It's important to timely manage these types of cases. Any delay in taking the right steps could have serious complications. An infected bile duct can lead to septic shock and even death. And fasciola hepatica can lead to liver fibrosis," added Dr. Hib Alla Farouk Maskji.
"I am very thankful to the entire medical team of experts at the hospital for diagnosing and treating me rightly. I have been advised to continue the anti-parasite treatment and overall I feel much better." added No Doi Ceu.
Ceu has been advised to avoid contaminated foods from endemic areas and will maintain regular follow ups to keep a check on his condition.