A severe case of human hepatic fascioliasis mimicking an oncological disease in Azerbaijan

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Research Paper 17/01/2026
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A severe case of human hepatic fascioliasis mimicking an oncological disease in Azerbaijan

Aygun A. Azizova*
Int. J. Biosci. 28(1), 155-160, January 2026.
Copyright Statement: Copyright 2026; The Author(s).
License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Abstract

We report a severe case of human hepatic fascioliasis in a 60-year-old woman from Azerbaijan who had been misdiagnosed with liver cancer and treated oncologically for approximately two years without clinical improvement. The patient presented with complaints of pain in the right hypochondrium, intermittent fever, general weakness, anorexia, weight loss, and insomnia. Laboratory evaluation revealed marked eosinophilia. Imaging studies demonstrated heterogeneous hepatic lesions compatible with inflammatory and necrotic changes. Coprological examination confirmed the presence of Fasciola eggs. To our knowledge, this represents one of the first clinically documented cases of human hepatic fascioliasis reported from Azerbaijan. The patient was treated with triclabendazole administered in two courses of three days each, separated by a 10-day interval, along with supportive hepatoprotective therapy and B complex vitamins. Following treatment, clinical symptoms resolved completely, eosinophil levels normalized, and follow up stool examinations were negative. Two months after therapy, laboratory parameters approached normal physiological values. This case emphasizes the importance of including hepatic fascioliasis in the differential diagnosis of liver masses, particularly in patients with eosinophilia and relevant epidemiological exposure. Early recognition prevents unnecessary invasive procedures and prolonged oncological treatment

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