Learning objectives
Echinococcosis is the widest spread human parasitic infection in the world caused by a cestode: Echinococcus granulosus and it may develop in any part of the body.
Rare sites of hydatitosis lead to atypical presentation causing difficulties in establishing the diagnosis.
Imaging techniques are the main methods of definite diagnosis and consist in ultrasound,
computed tomography,
and magnetic resonance imaging.
Background
Echinococcosis (or hydatid disease) is the widest spread serious human parasitic infection in the world caused by a cestode: Echinococcus granulosus.
It is endemic in areas with tropical or subtropical climates particularly in the mediterranean region,
South America,
Africa and Australia due to the close association between humans and domestic animals (1).
Hydatid disease,
common in Mediterranean countries,
still remains endemic in Tunisia.
Man is an accidental,
intermediate host,
and infection of humans represents a terminal event for the parasite.In fact,
humans become infected through...
Findings and procedure details
Atypical locations of the disease included: brain,
orbit,
neck,
mediastinum,
intraperitoneal cavity,
pelvis,
adrenal gland,
psoas,
quadriceps muscles,
and breast.Diagnosis was confirmed by hydatic serology,
US,
CT,
MRI and histopathological examination of the specimen for operated patients.
Cysts may be single or multiple,
uni- or multiloculated and thin- or thick walled.
More specific signs include visualization or calcification of the cyst wall,
the presence of daughter cysts and membrane detachment (2).
CT and MR imaging,
alone or in combination,
are helpful in the diagnosis of...
Conclusion
Hydatid disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis of the all cystic masses in all anatomic locations,
especially when they occur in areas where the disease is endemic.
The combination of clinical history,
imaging finding,
and serologic test results usually help the diagnosis.
References
1.
Lovric Kojundzic S,
Dolic K,
Buca A,
Jankovic S,
Besenski N.
Hydatid disease with multiple organ involvement: a case report.
Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences.
2010;3(2):154-158.
2.
Engin G,
Acunas B,
Rozanes I,
Acunas G.
Hydatid disease with unusual localization.
Eur.
Radiol.
2000;10:1904-1912.
3.
Versaci A,
Scuderi G,
Rosato A,
Giuseppe Angio L,
Olivia G,
Sfuncia G,
et al.
Rare localizations of echinococcosis: personnal experience.
ANZ J.
Surg.
2005;75:986-991.
4.
Wani RA,
Wani I,
Malik AA,
Parray FQ,
Wani AA,
Dar AM.
Hydatid disease...