What rare, severe complication is linked to long-standing, heavy infestation of *D. dendriticum* in the biliary tree?
Answer
Cholangiocarcinoma (cancer of the bile ducts)
In cases where dicrocoeliasis is severe and chronic, the prolonged irritation and physical obstruction caused by the adult flukes within the biliary tree can lead to significant pathological changes. While inflammation (cholangitis) and fibrosis are common, severe, long-standing infestations have been associated with more serious sequelae. These include biliary obstruction, the formation of gallstones (cholelithiasis), and, in some infrequent documented cases, the development of cholangiocarcinoma, which is cancer arising from the bile ducts.
Related Questions
What common name is used for *Dicrocoelium dendriticum* due to its characteristic shape?What is the cornerstone technique for diagnosing dicrocoeliasis in patients?Which terrestrial insect acts as the specific second intermediate host for *Dicrocoelium dendriticum*?Which anthelmintic drug is considered the preferred agent for treating symptomatic Dicrocoeliasis?What key morphological feature characterizes the eggs of *Dicrocoelium dendriticum* allowing them to exit the host?What rare, severe complication is linked to long-standing, heavy infestation of *D. dendriticum* in the biliary tree?What behavioral alteration is induced in the ant by *D. dendriticum* metacercariae to facilitate transmission?Approximately what is the length range of the adult *Dicrocoelium dendriticum* fluke found in the bile ducts?Which domestic ruminants are cited as the principal hosts responsible for shedding eggs into the environment?What is the estimated prepatent period for *Dicrocoelium dendriticum* until eggs appear in feces?How does the pathology of *D. dendriticum* generally compare to *Fasciola hepatica* concerning tissue involvement?