Fascioliasis complicated by acute necrotizing pancreatitis in an Ethiopian child – a case report on a rare complication of a rarely reported emerging disease

BACKGROUND: Fascioliasis is a zoonotic infection caused by Fasciola spp. (liver fluke). Although infrequently diagnosed, it is emerging as a helminth infection of public health importance in many parts of the world. There are few reports on human fascioliasis from Africa. CASE REPORT: This article reports a case of a 12-year-old Ethiopian boy who presented with left-sided abdominal pain and a history of frequent consumption of leafy vegetables. His work-up showed leukocytosis with marked eosinophilia, and increased serum amylase and lipase, and imaging confirmed multiple subcapsular hepatic masses as well as acute necrotizing pancreatitis. Upon serological testing for helminths, he tested positive on Fasciola hepatica enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. CONCLUSIONS: Fascioliasis may present with acute pancreatitis, and should be considered as a possible diagnosis in people with acute biliary disease in endemic settings.