Visceral larva migrans presenting as multiple liver abscesses

Trop Doct. 2013 Oct;43(4):154-7. doi: 10.1177/0049475513507254. Epub 2013 Oct 7.

Abstract

Eosinophilic necrotizing granulomas in the liver, known as visceral larva migrans (VLM), are a rare cause of liver abscesses. The term VLM refers to infections in human tissues caused by the larval stages of ascarid worms of dogs and cats. We report two cases of VLM which presented with high grade fever and abdominal pain for 3-4 months. Marked peripheral eosinophilia, multiple confluent perivenous lesions in the right lobe of liver with characteristic migratory tracts on imaging and biopsy evidence of necrotizing eosinophilic granulomas led to the diagnosis. Complete recovery was achieved with repeated courses of a combination of anthelmintics.

Keywords: Visceral larva migrans; anthelmintics; eosinophilia; granulomas; liver abscesses.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anthelmintics / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Larva Migrans, Visceral / diagnosis*
  • Larva Migrans, Visceral / drug therapy
  • Liver Abscess / diagnosis*
  • Liver Abscess / drug therapy

Substances

  • Anthelmintics