Some difficulties of differential diagnosis of clonorchiasis

Abstract

Clonorchiasis is a disease caused by the parasites of the Chinese fluke (Clonorchis sinensis) characterized by damage of the liver and/or pancreas. The basis of the diagnosis of clonorchiasis is detection of parasite eggs in the feces. Despite this, it may be difficult to confirm this helminthiasis. It should be noted that in case of low-intensity invasions or in the acute period of clonorchiasis, it is not always possible to detect eggs in the feces. The article describes a case of a 38-year-old man admitted to the hospital with a preliminary diagnosis of liver tumor. The diagnosis of clonorchiasis was made after the liver biopsy and identifying of Clonorchis eggs in the duodenal contents. No eggs were found in the feces. The therapy with praziquantel (biltricide) was effective and the patient was discharged in a satisfactory condition.