Hydatid disease of the liver (Part two)
Diagnosis
1. Serological tests.
The hydatid fluid contains specific antigens, the release of which leads to the sensitization of patients with the production of antibodies. The indirect hemagglutination test, ELISA, and complement fixation test are positive in 85% of patients.
2. Ultrasound
The ultrasonographic classification is
- Ultrasound with a single cyst
- Ultrasound with multiple cysts
- Ultrasound with daughter cysts
- Ultrasound as a soccer ball
- Ultrasound serpentine form
Fig 3. Single cyst
Fig 4. Multiple cysts
Fig 5. Daughter cyst
Fig 6. Soccer ball cyst
Fig 7. Serpentine form
3. Magnetic resonance imaging can show daughter cysts, detachment of the membrane.
4. ERCP can reveal cysts in the bile ducts.
The diagnosis of echinococcosis is entirely imaging-based, confirmed by serological tests
Based on the ultrasonographically identified forms, we also suggest the presence of alveolar echinococcosis in Albania.
Alveolar echinococcosis primarily affects children and has a preference for the right lobe of the liver. The affected liver tissue undergoes necrosis with a pulpy consistency. The tissue often has a yellow color due to perifocal xanthomatous inflammation. When calcifications and necrosis are absent, it is very difficult for this lesion to be distinguished from malignant tumors. Serological tests are decisive for diagnosis. E. alveolaris causes infiltrative lesions with unclear contours and extends to the abdominal wall, diaphragm, or at the level of the portal vein.
Ultrasonographic image of alveolar echinococcosis with localization in the liver and ovary.
Honored Doctor! I must object to your idea that there are forms of alveolar echinococcosis in Albania. It is wrong to confuse the terminology of multiple echinococcosis with multilocular echinococcosis. They are two different species and develop in different hosts
Sent by Viktor Qereshniku, më 14 January 2014 në 15:20
Dear Doctor, my father suffers from the liver. His mother died from this disease, and is it hereditary? He has gone through jaundice, in layman's terms, he has not gone to the doctor but was treated in the village by an old lady. He often has body aches and high blood pressure, 20 over 10. How is this explained? I am very worried about this fact. Please inform me
Sent by fjoralba, më 10 May 2014 në 09:25