%0 Case Reports
%T Atypical Toxocara canis-Induced Hepatic Visceral Larva Migrans: Diagnostic Challenges and Literature Review.
%A Huynh TM
%A Tran KQL
%A Dinh TH
%A Vo MM
%A Pham TQ
%A Vo TD
%J Korean J Gastroenterol
%V 83
%N 6
%D 2024 Jun 25
%M 38918038
暂无%R 10.4166/kjg.2024.051
%X Toxocariasis, a zoonotic infection transmitted by Toxocara canis (from dogs) and Toxocara cati (from cats) larvae, poses rare but severe risks to humans. We present a case of hepatic visceral larva migrans (VLM) caused by Toxocara canis in a 21-year-old male with a history of close contact with a pet dog. Initial symptoms and imaging findings mimicked a pyogenic liver abscess. The initial laboratory investigations revealed neutrophilia and elevated levels of IgE. Despite broad-spectrum antibiotics, persistent fever prompted further investigation. Subsequent serological testing for Toxocara antibodies and histopathological analysis of liver tissue demonstrating eosinophil infiltrates and Charcot-Leyden crystals led to a confirmed diagnosis of a liver abscess caused by Toxocara canis. Serological testing for Toxocara antibodies and histopathological analysis of liver tissue confirmed a Toxocara canis-induced liver abscess. Albendazole treatment yielded significant clinical improvement. This case highlights the necessity of considering toxocariasis in liver abscess differentials, particularly in high-seroprevalence regions like Vietnam. Relying solely on serological tests may be insufficient, emphasizing the need for corroborative evidence, including invasive procedures like liver biopsy, for accurate hepatic toxocariasis diagnosis.