Abstract

Ascaris lumbricoides is the most common intestinal parasite in less-developed countries as well as in areas with poor sanitation. Highly motile mature worms may enter the ampulla of Vater and migrate to the bile or pancreatic ducts causing cholangitis, biliary stones, cholecystitis, pancreatitis and a liver abscess. The incidence of pancreatitis due to biliary ascariasis is relatively common in endemic areas, but only a few cases have been reported in Korea since 1990. A 68-year-old woman was admitted with a sudden onset of epigastric pain. She was diagnosed with acute pancreatits due to ascaris based on computed tomography, the ampulla- impacted state of the worm and an elevated serum amylase level. The patient recovered without complications after the ascaris had been extracted using grasp forceps during endoscopy. The patient also received antihelminthic therapy. We report this case with a review of the relevant literatures.(Korean J Gastrointest Endosc 2005;31:348⁣352)

• Keywords: Biliary ascariasis, Acute pancreatitis, Ampulla of Vater