Abstract

Objective: Fascioliasis is a parasitic infection of significant public health concern, rare in humans, and frequently presents diagnostic challenges. This study aimed to compare the clinical, laboratory, and imaging characteristics of acute and chronic cases of fascioliasis identified in a non-endemic region. 

Methods: This single-center, retrospective observational study included 25 adult patients diagnosed with fascioliasis. Diagnosis was confirmed by detecting Fasciola hepatica immunoglobulin G antibodies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Demographic data, clinical findings, laboratory results, and radiological features were extracted from medical records and analyzed.

Results: Among the cases, 80% were classified as acute phase and 20% as chronic phase. Abdominal pain was the most frequent symptom in the acute phase, and eosinophil counts were significantly higher than in the chronic phase (p<0.05). Conversely, symptoms associated with biliary system involvement predominated in the chronic phase. Imaging studies revealed multiple hypodense hepatic lesions in the acute phase, while biliary dilatation, intraductal parasites, and bile duct wall thickening were characteristic of the chronic phase. 

Conclusion: Fascioliasis cases in non-endemic regions demonstrate distinct phase-specific clinical, laboratory, and imaging features. Recognition of eosinophilia, together with phase-specific radiological findings, is essential for early diagnosis and effective management.

Keywords: Fasciola hepatica, fascioliasis, acute phase, chronic phase, eosinophilia