Ascaris lumbricoides infection is common in tropical and subtropical countries, but hepatic abscess due to ascariasis is rare. We report a case of an 80-year-old female who presented with abdominal pain and breathlessness. Ultrasonography revealed a large abscess in the right lobe of the liver, and a USG-guided pigtail catheter was inserted. Chocolate brown pus was drained, and microbiological examination was negative. Subsequently, an adult A. lumbricoides worm was observed emerging through a pigtail catheter into the drainage bag. Stool examination did not show ova. Despite treatment, the patient succumbed to sepsis with acute respiratory distress syndrome and multiple organ dysfunction. This case highlights a rare presentation of hepatic ascariasis and underscores the importance of heightened clinical awareness.
Jagarwal et al. (Wed,) studied this question.