Ascariasis is a very common disease worldwide, representing a major cause of biliary and pancreatic disorders. There are various medical reports regarding the process of diagnosing biliary tract ascariasis, each of them presenting different medical techniques as effective means of diagnosis. Among these medical techniques, ultrasound imaging is probably the most popular means of diagnosing biliary tract ascariasis. However, ultrasound tests aren’t always very accurate and they sometimes fail to detect conclusive evidence of ascariasis at the level of the biliary system. In the last few years, magnetic resonance imaging has proved to be more reliable in the process of diagnosing biliary tract ascariasis, compensating for the minuses of ultrasound imaging and similar screening techniques. Although it hasn’t been used for diagnosing biliary tract ascariasis until recently, magnetic resonance imaging is safer and more effective than other methods of diagnosis.

Ascariasis is a form of internal infection that commonly occurs in endemic areas. The infectious organisms responsible for causing ascariasis are commonly contracted by drinking contaminated water, leading to a wide range of internal disorders. When the infection localizes at the level of the biliary tract, it can lead to biliary colic and cholangitis. In the absence of appropriate medical treatment, biliary tract ascariasis can further lead to serious complications such as cholecystitis, pancreatitis, sepsis (severe infection of the internal organs) and jaundice (inappropriate functioning of the hepatic system).

Timely revealing the presence of ascariasis at the level of the pancreato-biliary system is a difficult task for doctors. Traditional means of diagnosis are either ineffective in revealing conclusive evidence of ascariasis, or they are inappropriate for patients with special conditions. Thanks to its superior reliability and efficiency, magnetic resonance imaging is considered to be the best alternative to traditional screening techniques in present. Medical professionals sustain that the risks of misdiagnosis and mistreatment have considerably decreased since this modern technique was introduced in the process of biliary tract ascariasis diagnosis. In addition, magnetic resonance imaging greatly reduces the duration of the entire process of diagnosis.

The main disadvantage of ultrasonography is its reduced efficiency in revealing conclusive evidence of biliary tract ascariasis in overweight patients or patients with certain internal disorders. Other screening techniques involve exposure to radiation and thus they aren’t recommended for pregnant women. Unlike other methods of diagnosis, magnetic resonance imaging involves no risks and it is suitable for screening most patients with suspected biliary tract ascariasis. In addition, magnetic resonance imaging has a reduced margin of error, thus minimizing the risk of misdiagnosis. Although it can’t completely replace similar screening techniques, magnetic resonance imaging is a very effective method of evaluating patients with suspected gall bladder ascariasis or other diseases of the biliary system.