US-guided gallbladder aspiration: a new diagnostic method for biliary fascioliasis

Fasciola hepatica is a trematode which is found worldwide. The diagnosis is usually delayed because the disease is relatively rare and the parasite or its eggs must be shown in bile samples for verification. We report three cases in which the diagnosis of fascioliasis was established by simple US-guided aspiration of the gallbladder. This new diagnostic method is less invasive, safe, and easy compared with the conventional endoscopic methods. Received: 8 June 1998; Revision received: 11 September 1998; Accepted: 14 September 1998