A Case of Toxocariasis in a Patient with Cecal Cancer Mimicking Hepatic Metastasis / 대한내과학회지

ABSTRACT

Toxocariasis is a common helminth infection and the most common cause of peripheral blood eosinophilia. The clinical presentation of liver toxocariasis is often confused with primary or metastatic hepatic tumors. Here, we report on a 52-year-old man admitted with cecal cancer and eosinophilia. Computerized tomography (CT) scans revealed multiple lesions with peripheral enhancement in the liver, and T1- and T2-weighted images revealed isointensity. The patient underwent right hemicolectomy and an exploratory laparotomy with a liver biopsy. Resection of the cecal specimen revealed an adenocarcinoma, while the liver biopsy revealed an eosinophilic abscess with no evidence of malignancy. A serologic test showed a marked increase in specific immunoglobulin G antibody concentrations against Toxocara canis and daily antiparasitic treatment with albendazole (800 mg per day for 7 days) was initiated. Follow-up CT scans indicated that all liver masses and eosinophilia were resolved.