Biliary lithiasis and helminthiasis.

The syndrome of Oriental cholangiohepatitis is characterized by helminthiasis, choledocholithiasis often without cholecystolithiasis, biliary duct stricture and hepatic abscess. The common duct stones are usually multiple, black and friable. Fourteen cases have been seen in recent immigrants to the United States. Thirteen patients had choledocholithiasis, and 1 had viable flukes in the ducts. Choledochoenterostomy is usually required because of multiple stones, including intrahepatic stones, or proven or presumed infestation with Clonorchis sinensis. The latter, the Chinese liver fluke, is an infestation for which medical therapy does not exist. Resection, particularly of the lateral segment of the left hepatic lobe, may be required in cases of abscess and stones associated with stricture of the left hepatic duct.