Clonorchiasis: sonographic findings in 59 proved cases

Clonorchiasis is a parasitic disease of the bile ducts that occurs in endemic areas after ingestion of the raw flesh of freshwater fish. We analyzed the sonographic findings in 59 patients with clonorchiasis, suspected prospectively from sonographic findings and proved subsequently by demonstration of eggs in their stools. Diffuse dilatation of the small intrahepatic bile ducts with no or minimal dilatation of the large intra- and extrahepatic ducts was observed in all cases. The extrahepatic ducts were patent throughout in all except one case. This characteristic finding reflects diffuse intrahepatic bile duct obstruction and resultant proximal dilatation caused by an adult worm or aggregates of worms, as worms reside diffusely in the medium and small intrahepatic bile ducts. Cholangitis and multifocal periductal fibrosis with proximal dilatation may play an additional role. Increased echogenicity of the intrahepatic bile duct wall was present in 39 cases (66%), reflecting cholangitis and periductal fibrosis. In 17 cases (29%), floating or dependent, discrete, nonshadowing, intraluminal, echogenic foci caused by adult worms in the bile were demonstrated in the gallbladder. These echogenic foci were distinguished from stones because they were fusiform, weak in echogenicity, and floated with a change in position. Clonorchiasis should be considered when sonography discloses the characteristic pattern of bile duct dilatation with increased wall echogenicity and nonshadowing, discrete, echogenic foci in the gallbladder lumen.