Sonographic findings of ascaris lumbricoides in the gastrointestinal and biliary tracts.

OBJECTIVE

Ascaris lumbricoides may obstruct bowel, biliary tree, pancreatic ducts, and appendix and induce biliary stones. The purpose of this article was to illustrate typical sonographic findings of A. lumbricoides in the gastrointestinal and biliary tracts.

METHODS

Clinical data of 57 patients undergoing sonographic examination with confirmed ascariasis were studied retrospectively, and features of sonographic characteristics of A. lumbricoides in gastrointestinal and biliary tracts were studied.

RESULTS

Sonographic characteristics of A. lumbricoides were single or multiple echogenic nonshadowing linear, tubular structures; curved strips or rodlike with or without echoic tubular central lines; and a spaghettilike appearance, a target sign, or a pseudotumor appearance in the transverse section.

CONCLUSIONS

Ascaris lumbricoides in the gastrointestinal and biliary tracts has various features. Sonographic examination in the diagnosis of ascaridiasis has a high value.