Re: Flukes showing up on an ultrasound

http://www.liverdoctor.com/liver-problems/liver-fluke/

Testing Patients for Liver Fluke Infection

In endemic areas, it is recommended to do screening tests such as a stool ova test and a liver ultrasound scan. The high risk groups for liver fluke infection are those who have a history of eating raw, freshwater fish in endemic areas. An ultrasound scan or CAT scan images may show dilatation of the bile ducts. If tests are positive then anthelminthic (anti-worm) drugs should be prescribed.

People should be told to have regular periodic stool tests to check for the presence of eggs in the stool. Also anyone who has travelled to these parts of the world and eaten raw or under cooked fresh water fish should be tested.

The typical appearance of past/healed liver fluke infection is widespread dilatation of the bile ducts inside the liver without evidence of an obstructing cause (dilatation without obstruction); this is seen on ultrasound, CAT or MRI scans of the liver. This picture is frequently found in healthy looking but infected people in endemic areas. Tweet