ACUTE CHOLECYSTITIS INDUCED BY ASCARIASIS IN THE AMAZON: A CASE REPORT

Abstract

Acute cholecystitis caused by Ascaris lumbricoides is an extremely rare complication of Ascariasis. Infection with this helminth is relatively common in underdeveloped areas, especially in places with poor or non-existent basic sanitation. Biliary ascariasis is a rare form of ascariasis that can lead to serious complications and involves the involvement of any portion of the biliary tract, with the gallbladder being less common due to the narrow lumen of the cystic duct. This report has as its principle the presentation of the clinical-surgical status of a patient with Acute Cholecystitis caused by Ascaris infection. The case addresses the segmentation given to the case of a teenager who sought an emergency care unit (UPA) due to a clinical condition compatible with acute cholecystitis, being diagnosed by Ultrasonography (USG), which confirmed the disease and concomitantly revealed the presence of the helminth in the gallbladder. The initial treatment was with a single dose of Albendazole administered in the unit, but clinical worsening progressed. The patient later sought out the city's emergency hospital where a new USG was performed, and the decision was made to perform a surgical intervention, progressing with complete resolution of the condition. The USG was essential for the diagnosis and adequate follow-up of the case, which demonstrates the importance of this equipment in emergency care units. Therefore, there is a need to create protocols and guidelines that cover the appropriate diagnosis and management of biliary ascariasis and other rare forms of this disease.