Fascioliasis: an exceptional cause of acute pancreatitis.

CONTEXT: Fasciola hepatica is known to cause bile duct inflammation and biliary obstruction but is rarely reported as responsible for producing acute pancreatitis.

CASE REPORT: We report on a patient complaining of acute pancreatitis. Endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography showed distinct features and sphincterotomy allowed extraction of multiple parasites.

CONCLUSIONS

Pancreatitis may occur in some patients with fascioliasis, but the condition may be overlooked in chronic cases. Endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography rule out other possible causes of irregularity and thickening of the common bile duct wall. Parasite removal during endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography is one therapeutic option. Hepatic involvement must be ruled out and complete pharmacological treatment is advised in this patient.