Hidatidosis subcutánea primaria / Primary subcutaneous hydatid disease: a case report

La hidatidosis o equinococosis quística es una zoonosis parasitaria endémica causada por el estadio larvario del cestode Echinococcus granulosus. El hígado y el pulmón son los órganos con afección más frecuente. Su ubicación subcutánea es una entidad rara, poco descrita, y por ende un reto diagnóstico. Describimos el caso de una mujer, de 18 años de edad, procedente de un área endémica, que presentó un quiste hidatídico primario supraclavicular.

Hydatid disease or cystic echinococcosis is an endemic parasitic zoonosis caused by the larval stage of the cestode Echinococcus granulosus, the liver and lung being the most frequently affected organs. Its subcutaneous location is a rare entity, little described, and therefore a diagnostic challenge. We describe the case of an 18-year-old woman from an endemic area who presented with a primary supraclavicular hydatid cyst.

Disseminated Abdominal Echinococcosis: Case Report / Equinococosis abdominal diseminada: reporte de caso

Abstract We describe a case of disseminated abdominal hydatid disease in a 21-year-old man who presented with clinical symptoms of persistent abdominal pain after abscess drainage post-appendectomy. The images showed multiple cystic lesions in the peritoneum, liver, and spleen. Due to pain exacerbation, the patient was taken to laparotomy. Multiple cystic lesions scattered throughout the abdominal cavity were observed, which were diagnosed by histopathology as multiple cystic lesions due to peritoneal and abdominal echinococcosis.

Resumen Se realiza la descripción de un caso de hidatidosis abdominal diseminada de un hombre de 21 años, quien consultó por cuadro clínico de dolor abdominal persistente después de un drenaje de absceso luego de una apendicetomía. Las imágenes mostraron múltiples lesiones quísticas en peritoneo, hígado y bazo. Por exacerbación del dolor, el paciente se lleva a laparotomía, donde se evidenciaron múltiples lesiones quísticas diseminadas en toda la cavidad abdominal, que se diagnosticaron a la histopatología como lesiones quísticas múltiples por equinococosis peritoneal y abdominal.

Quiste hidático primario músculo-esquelético: revisión de la literatura a propósito de un caso / Primary hydatid cyst of skeletal muscle: a literature review based on a case / Cisto hidático primário músculo esquelético: revisão da literatura a propósito de um caso

Resumen: Introducción: la equinococosis quística músculo-esquelética es poco frecuente, pudiendo determinar retrasos diagnósticos y errores terapéuticos. Reporte de caso: presentamos el caso de un paciente con un quiste hidático primario único a nivel de la región femoral posterior derecha, infectado. Discusión: se realizó una revisión en las bases de datos PubMed y LILACS sobre el diagnóstico y manejo terapéutico de los quistes hidáticos músculo-esqueléticos primarios. Conclusiones: la equinococosis quística músculo-esquelética debe ser tenida en cuenta dentro de los diagnósticos diferenciales de tumoraciones de partes blandas en pacientes provenientes de zonas endémicas. La tomografía computada y/o resonancia magnética cumplen un rol diagnóstico y de planificación terapéutica. El tratamiento es quirúrgico, a medida del paciente y del quiste, en función de su topografía, tamaño y fundamentalmente relaciones vasculo nerviosas y musculares. Otros factores a tener en cuenta son las futuras secuelas funcionales y resultados estéticos.

Summary: Introduction: musculoskeletal cystic echinococcosis is rather an unusual condition, what may result in delayed diagnosis and therapeutic mistakes. Case report: the study presents the case of a patient with a single primary hydatid cyst in the right posterior femoral region, which is infected. Discussion: a review of PubMed and LILACS was performed to learn about diagnosis and therapeutic handling of the primary musculoskeletal hydatid cysts. Conclusions: musculoskeletal cystic echinococcosis needs to be considered among differential diagnosis of soft tissues tumors in patients coming from endemic areas. A CT scan and RMI play an important role in diagnosis and the planning of treatment. Treatment involves surgery that must be adapted to the patient and the cyst, considering its topography and size, and in particular in view of muscular and nervous vessels relationship. Other factors to bear in mind are renal sequels and esthetic aspects.

Resumo: Introdução: a equinococose cística musculoesquelética é rara e pode determinar atrasos em seu diagnóstico e erros terapêuticos. Relato do caso: apresentamos o caso de uma paciente com cisto hidrático primário único ao nível da região femoral posterior direita, infectado. Discussão: foi realizada uma revisão nas bases de dados PubMed e LILACS sobre o diagnóstico e manejo terapêutico dos cistos hidráticos osteomusculares primários. Conclusões: a equinococose cística musculoesquelética deve ser considerada no diagnóstico diferencial de tumores de partes moles em pacientes de áreas endêmicas. A tomografia computadorizada e / ou a ressonância magnética desempenham um papel no planejamento diagnóstico e terapêutico. O tratamento é cirúrgico, adaptado ao paciente e ao cisto, dependendo de sua topografia, tamanho e, fundamentalmente, das relações vascular-nervosas e musculares. Outros fatores a serem considerados são as sequelas funcionais futuras e os resultados estéticos.

Quiste hidatídico subcutáneo: reporte de dos casos en Huancayo, Perú / Subcutaneous hydatidic cyst: report of two cases in Huancayo, Peru

RESUMEN La hidatidosis es una infección zoonótica que puede invadir múltiples órganos en el ser humano. Sin embargo, el tejido subcutáneo es el órgano menos afectado por esta enfermedad, cuando esto ocurre se aprecia escasa sintomatología, lo que ocasiona periodos prolongados de enfermedad asociado a diagnóstico tardío y a una pobre respuesta a la terapia antiparasitaria. La sierra central del Perú es la zona con mayor prevalencia, presumiblemente por las inadecuadas medidas de saneamiento ambiental, la falta de educación y las casi inexistentes medidas de control de la enfermedad. Con el objetivo de discutir los problemas relacionados a la localización subcutánea y su probable fisiopatología, reportamos dos casos de hidatidosis subcutánea que se presentaron con lesiones tumorales de evolución prolongada y que no afectaron al hígado ni a los pulmones y que finalmente fueron tratados mediante extirpación quirúrgica debido a la falta de respuesta al tratamiento con albendazol.

ABSTRACT Hydatidosis is a zoonotic infection that can invade many organs in the human being. Nevertheless, the subcutaneous tissue is the less affected organ by this disease. When this disease appears, little symptomatology is observed, which causes prolonged periods of disease associated to delayed diagnosis and a poor answer to the antiparasitic therapy. The central mountain range of Peru is the geographical zone with the greatest prevalence, presumably due to the inadequate measures of environmental sanitation, the lack of education and the almost non-existent control measures of the disease. With the aim to discuss the problems related to the subcutaneous location and its probable physiopathology, this study reports two cases of subcutaneous hydatidosis that appeared with tumor lesions with a prolonged evolution and that did not affect the liver or the lungs and which were finally treated by means of surgical removal due to the lack of response to treatment with albendazol.

Hidatidosis Cardiaca Primaria / Primary cardiac hydatidosis

Cardiac hydatidosis without involvement of extracardiac organs is an uncommun condition. We report a case of a 20 years old female without any prior disease, she consult for progressive dyspnea and palpitations. Echocardiogram and cardiac MRI shows cystic lesion in apical intraventricular septum suggestive of hydatid cyst. No other organs were affected. The patient underwent surgery with successful removal of hydatid cyst and medical treatment with Albendazole, after that, the patient remains asymptomatic.

In Vitro Scolicidal Effects of Salvadora persica Root Extract against Protoscolices of Echinococcus granulosus

It has been known that Arak, Salvadora persica, has a number of medicinal properties. We tried to investigate in vitro scolicidal effect of root extracts of this plant against protoscolices from hydatid cysts of Echinococcus granulosus. Protoscolices were aseptically collected from sheep livers containing hydatid cysts. S. persica root extract was used in 10, 30, and 50 mg/ml concentration for 10, 20, and 30 min. The viability of protoscolices was ascertained by 0.1% eosin staining. Scolicidal activity of S. persica extract at a concentration of 10 mg/ml was 36.3%, 50.3%, and 70.8% after 10, 20, and 30 min of exposure, respectively. The scolicidal effect of this extract at a concentration of 30 mg/ml was 52.9%, 86.7%, and 100% after 10, 20, and 30 min of exposure, respectively. S. persica extract at a concentration of 50 mg/ml, meanwhile, killed 81.4%, 100%, and 100% of protoscolices after 10, 20, and 30 min, respectively. Also, the cytotoxic potential of S. persica was assessed on human liver cells (HepG2) using trypan blue exclusion test. No cytotoxic effect was observed on HepG2 cell line. The present study confirmed for the first time that the ethanolic extract of S. persica has high scolicidal power in vitro. However, in vivo effect of this material remains to be studied for treatment of echinococcosis in humans and herbivorous animals.

Polycystic echinococcosis in the state of Acre, Brazil: contribution to patient diagnosis, treatment and prognosis

The lack of knowledge regarding polycystic hydatid disease results in delayed or even incorrect diagnosis. The lack of systematic information regarding treatment also makes it difficult to assess the results and prognosis in patients with peritoneal and hepatic lesions caused by Echinococcus vogeli. Here we describe the clinical features of patients, propose a radiological classification protocol and describe a therapeutic option for the treatment of hydatid disease that previously had only been used for cases of cystic echinococcosis (Echinococcus granulosus). A prospective cohort study was initiated in 1999 and by 2009 the study included 60 patients. These patients were classified according to the PNM classification (parasite lesion, neighbouring organ invasion and metastases) and placed in one of three therapeutic modalities: (i) chemotherapy with albendazole at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day, (ii) surgical removal of cysts or (iii) percutaneous puncture of the cysts via puncture, aspiration, injection and re-aspiration (PAIR). The results were stratified according to therapeutic outcome: "cure", "clinical improvement", "no improvement", "death" or "no information". The PNM classification was useful in indicating the appropriate therapy in cases of polycystic hydatid disease. In conclusion, surgical therapy produced the best clinical results of all the therapies studied based on "cure" and "clinical improvement" outcomes. The use of PAIR for treatment requires additional study.

Quiste hidatídico renal: reporte de un caso / Renal hydatid cyst: case report

INTRODUCCIÓN: La hidatidosis es una parasitosis endémica en Chile. Los órganos más frecuentemente afectados son hígado y pulmón. Otras localizaciones, tales como la renal son infrecuentes e implican dificultades diagnósticas. PRESENTACIÓN DEL CASO: Mujer de 25 años, sin antecedentes mórbidos, que consulta por dolor lumbar de un mes de evolución, hematuria autolimitada y distensión abdominal, sin hallazgos patológicos al examen físico En sus estudios de laboratorio realizados en Hospital Base de Puerto Montt, Chile, destaca leucocitosis de 13.500 células/mm3 con eosinofilia relativa de 31,4 por ciento, Velocidad de Eritrosedimentación de 74 mm/h y función renal normal. Se solicita ecotomografía abdominal, en la cual se encuentra un quiste renal izquierdo complejo, hallazgo complementado con Tomografía Axial Computada abdomino-pélvico, la cual confirma quiste renal izquierdo de 13 centímetros de diámetro sin aspecto tumoral y quiste en fosa ilíaca izquierda en posición paravesical e hígado sin lesiones. Adicionalmente se realiza radiografía de tórax, la que resulta de aspecto normal. Se realiza Test para Hidatidosis que resulta positivo. Posteriormente, ante la sospecha de hidatidosis renal, se inicia tratamiento con Albendazol 400 mg al día durante 45 días y posteriormente quistectomía renal, evolucionando de forma satisfactoria. Se decide diferir cirugía de quiste paravesical. DISCUSIÓN: La localización renal de un quiste hidatídico es infrecuente y corresponde a menos del 2 por ciento de los casos, el diagnóstico de un quiste complejo renal debe considerar como diagnóstico diferencial la posibilidad de un quiste hidatídico.

INTRODUCTION: Hydatidosis is an endemic parasitic disease in Chile. The main organs affected are the liver and lungs. Other locations, such as the kidneys, are infrequent and involve diagnostic difficulties. CASE REPORT: A 25 year old woman with no previous history of morbid diseases consulting for a one month evolution of lumbar pain, self-limited hematuria and abdominal distension, with no abnormaities on physical examination. In her laboratory studies there was leukocytosis of 13,500 cells/mm3 with relative eosinophilia of 31.4 percent erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) of 74 mm/h and normal renal function. Abdominal ultrasound found a complex left renal cyst, which was complemented with an abdomen and pelvis computerized axial tomography (CT), which confirmed a 13-centimeter left renal cyst without tumor-like appearance. Additionally, chest x-ray shows normal appearance. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for hydatidosis is performed, which results positive. Subsequently, and based on the renal hydatid disease suspicion, she was treated with Albendazole 400 mg per day for 45 days followed by renal cystectomy, evolving satisfactorily. It was decided to defer paravesical cyst surgery. DISCUSSION: Renal hydatid cysts are rare and correspond to less than 2 percent of all cases. The diagnosis of kidney cyst should consider the hydatid cyst as a differential diagnosis.

Critical analysis of cystic echinococcosis control programs and praziquantel use in South America, 1974-2010 / Análisis crítico de los programas de control de la equinococosis quística y uso del prazicuantel en América del Sur, 1974-2010

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is one of the most prevalent zoonoses in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay. Control programs in South America were originally modeled after programs developed in insular territories, such as Tasmania and New Zealand. The advent and proven effectiveness of praziquantel, plus the experience of insular models, produced high expectations for rapid advances; however, after 30 years of praziquantel use, no endemic area in South America has obtained eradication. In fact, only modest gains in CE control have been made and impact on prevalence among humans has been slight. A major impediment has been the infrastructure needed to administer praziquantel to dogs in rural areas 8 times per year over numerous years, a requirement for rapid attack stage 1. Such an infrastructure has not been financially or politically sustainable in endemic areas, which tend to be the poorest. On the other hand, certain areas in Argentina have had success with simple and economically viable alternatives. Based primarily on continuous field work supported by the local community, these strategies have significantly decreased transmission to humans, the health sector's main objective. In addition, new possibilities and tools, such as the EG95 vaccine, are being evaluated; as are early detection and treatment of asymptomatic carriers.

La equinococosis quística (EQ) es una de las zoonosis más prevalentes en Argentina, Brasil, Chile, Perú y Uruguay. Los programas de control en América del Sur fueron originalmente hechos a imitación de los programas desarrollados en territorios insulares, como Tasmania y Nueva Zelandia. El advenimiento y la eficacia comprobada del prazicuantel, sumados a la experiencia de los modelos insulares, dieron lugar a altas expectativas de adelantos rápidos; sin embargo, después de 30 años de uso del prazicuantel, ninguna zona endémica en América del Sur ha logrado la erradicación de la enfermedad. De hecho, solo se han obtenido avances moderados en el control de la EQ, y su repercusión sobre la prevalencia en seres humanos ha sido leve. Un impedimento mayor ha sido la infraestructura necesaria para administrar el prazicuantel a los perros en zonas rurales 8 veces por año durante varios años, un requisito para el estadio 1 de ataque rápido. Tal infraestructura no ha sido sostenible desde el punto de vista económico o político en las zonas endémicas, que tienden a ser las más pobres. Por otro lado, ciertas áreas de la Argentina han tenido éxito con opciones sencillas y económicamente viables. Basadas principalmente en el trabajo continuo en el terreno apoyado por la comunidad local, estas estrategias han reducido significativamente la transmisión a los seres humanos, que es el objetivo principal del sector de la salud. Además, se están evaluando nuevas posibilidades y herramientas, como la vacuna EG95, al igual que la detección temprana y el tratamiento de los portadores asintomáticos.

Scolicidal Effects of Olea europaea and Satureja khuzestanica Extracts on Protoscolices of Hydatid Cysts

Treatment of hydatid disease is mainly surgical, with medical treatment being reserved as a coadjuvant treatment. Use of effective scolicidal agents during surgery of cystic echinococcosis is essential to reduce the recurrence rate. The goal of this study was to evaluate the in vitro scolicidal effects of hydroalcoholic extracts of Satureja khuzestanica leaves and aqueous extracts of Olea europaea leaves on hydatid cyst protoscolices. Echinococcus granulosus protoscolices were collected from the liver of sheep infected with the hydatid cyst. Various concentrations of plant extracts were used in different exposure times for viability assay of protoscolices. Among the olive leaf extracts tested, 0.1% and 0.01% concentrations had strong scolicidal effects in 120 min. S. khuzestanica 0.1% had very strong scolicidal effects in 30, 60, and 120 min of exposure times and the mortality rate decreased with the lower concentration. The finding have shown that the scolicidal activity of S. khuzestanica against cystic echinococosis protoscolices were more effective, while the O. europaea extract showed less effects.

Unusual localization of an hydatid cyst: first reported case in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Hydatidosis is a parasitic infection caused by the tapeworm larva of Echinococcus spp. Its relevance lies in its wide distribution, great number of clinical cases and outstanding morbility. Hydatid infection of the orbit comprises far less than 1 percent of the total incidence. This is a case of a patient from Argentina complaining of a two-week evolution proptosis of the right eye. A microscopic examination revealed the presence of protoscolices of Echinococcus spp. in the fluid obtained during the surgical proceedings. The patient was treated with oral albendazole. To our knowledge, this is the first case of occular hydatidosis diagnosed in the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Primary hydatid disease of the ilium: a case report

Bone hydatid disease is endemic in several regions worldwide and lacks a typical clinical appearance and image characteristics; therefore, its diagnosis is very difficult. A 49-year-old rural woman was referred with purulent discharge from sinus tract in the left ilium. X-ray and CT scan showed multiple lytic lesions with cortical destruction. She was scheduled for sequestrectomy with impression of chronic osteomyelitis but destroyed hydatid cysts were detected intraoperatively. Iliac wing excision from the iliac crest to the sacroiliac joint and supraacetabulum area was performed. Pathologic findings were in favor of bone hydatidosis. Postoperatively, albendazole and antibiotics were prescribed

Multiple organ involvement with hydatid cysts

Hydatid disease is the most common infections worldwide, but it rarely involves multiple organs. Herein, a 12-year-old boy is presented, who was admitted to Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran with symptoms of irritability, sleepless, and weakness of the extremities. Patient's brain computed tomography [CT] scan with contrast media showed large multilocular cystic lesions in right temporal lobe associated with two other smaller similar cystic lesions in centrum semiovale bilaterally. Abdominal sonography revealed intestinal mesenteric and a cardiac cyst. Abdomino-pelvic CT scan showed a cyst medial to the cecum and a cortical cyst in the left kidney as well as a heart cyst. The echocardiography confirmed hydatid cysts at apical and interventricular septum. Serology test was positive for hydatid cyst. Albendazole and praziquantel were started for the patient immediately and right temporal lobe lesions were removed via neurosurgery intervention. After one month, cardiac and mesenteric cysts were operated during two separate surgeries. Pathologic findings of all cysts were compatible with hydatid cyst. Cystic hydatidosis should be suspected in any cystic mass, whilst prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatments are the keys in management of affected patients

Pediatric hydatidosis in the south-east of the Buenos Aires province, Argentina / Hidatidosis pediátrica en el sudeste de la provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina

Hydatidosis is a zoonosis produced by the metacestode Echinococcus spp. The aims of this research are: to contribute to the knowledge of pediatric hydatidosis in the south-east of Buenos Aires province, to study its evolution from 1993 to 2002 at the Regional Maternity and Pediatric Hospital "Dr. Victorio Tetamanti", to determine the strains involved and to discuss the importance of the disease. The clinical records of diagnosed and/or operated patients were reviewed with regard to the hydatid disease. The strain was determined by using PCRs with Eg1 121a/122a primers. Forty-four cases were analyzed. Fifty nine point one per cent of the patients were boys. The mean age was 8 SD=3.8 years. Sixty one point four per cent had urban residence. Ultrasonography was used in 61% of the cases. The hepatic location was most frequently seen and the liver/lung ratio was 1.25. Ninety point nine per cent of patients received surgical treatment. Albendazole was used in 52% of cases. The average hospitalization time was 11 days. The Gl/G2 strain group was determined. This report is the first one of its kind in the studied region. The permanence of hydatidosis in the region depends on the natural transmission of the parasite in the absence of control and prevention measures. The health authorities should implement strategies of prevention and control in the study area.

Los objetivos de este trabajo fueron: contribuir al conocimiento de la hidatidosis pediátrica en el sudeste de la provincia de Buenos Aires, estudiar su evolución desde 1993 hasta 2002, establecer la o las cepas involucradas y discutir la importancia de la enfermedad. Para ello se revisaron las historias clínicas de los pacientes pediátricos con diagnóstico de hidatidosis asistidos en el Hospital Interzonal Especializado Materno Infantil "Dr. Victorio Tetamanti" durante ese período. Se analizaron 44 casos, el 59,1% de ellos correspondió a varones. La media de edad fue de 8 años (SD=3,8 años) y el 61,4% de los niños afectados eran de residencia urbana. Se empleó ultrasonografía como método diagnóstico en el 61% de los casos. La localización hepática fue la más frecuente y la relación hígado/pulmón fue 1,25. El 90,9% recibió tratamiento quirúrgico. Se utilizó albendazol en el 52% de los pacientes. El tiempo de hospitalización tuvo una mediana de 11 días. Las cepas se determinaron mediante PCR con los cebadores Eg1 121a/122a. Se determinó la presencia de cepas del grupo G1/G2, dato informado por primera vez en humanos para la región de estudio. Se concluyó que la permanencia de la enfermedad en la región depende de la transmisión natural del parásito en ausencia de medidas de control y prevención. Por consiguiente, las autoridades de salud deberían implementar estrategias de prevención y control en dicha zona.

Uso de Albendazol como tratamiento de la equinococcosis: toma de decisiones basadas en la validez interna y externa de un estudio concerniente / Internal and external validity of a clinical trial reporting the use of albendazole for the treatment of hydatidosis

Introducción: El tratamiento de la Equinoccocosis es quirúrgico. El estudio de Keshmiri plantea el uso de albendazol como alternativa. El objetivo de este estudio es determinar validez interna y externa del estudio de Keshmiri. Material y método: Se aplicaron 4 instrumentos que valoran diferentes ámbitos metodológicos al estudio de Keshmiri. Se realizó lectura crítica; se analizó calidad metodológica, validez interna y externa con 3 instrumentos: MINCIR, CONSORT y SIGN. Estos, fueron aplicados por 7 investigadores con formación en epidemiología clínica. Resultados: La guía de lectura permitió verificar carencia de objetivo específico, asignación aleatoria y enmascaramiento mal definido. Los pacientes no fueron considerados hasta el final del estudio (hubo pérdida de 22,7 por ciento de pacientes en la rama del fármaco y de 42,8 por ciento de pacientes en la rama placebo). La escala MINCIR permitió identificar un ensayo clínico, con enmascaramiento, secuencia de aleatorización no clara, sin cálculo del tamaño de la muestra y objetivos vagos. CONSORT permitió comprobar carencia de hipótesis de trabajo y objetivos específicos; no identificación de variable primaria y tamaño de muestra, ambigüedades del proceso de aleatorización, enmascaramiento poco claro, ausencia de ajuste estadístico y omisión de análisis de subgrupos. SIGN permitió objetivar los mismos problemas antes descritos. Conclusión: Los instrumentos aplicados, pusieron en evidencia falencias metodológicas que objetan la validez interna y externa del estudio. La adopción de este protocolo debe observarse con precaución.

Background: Classic treatment of echinococcosis is surgery. The study of Keshmiri raises the use of albendazole as an alternative. Aim: To determine internal and external validity of the Keshmiri study. Material and methods: Four instruments that assess methodological quality, were applied to the manuscript. A critical reading was done and the internal and external validity of the methodological quality was analyzed with three scales: Methodology and Research in Surgery (MINCIR), Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) and Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN). Guides and scales were applied by 7 researchers with training in clinical epidemiology. Results: The Keshmiri study has not a specific objective. The method used for random assignment is not described and not all patients were assessed at the end of the study due to a loss form follow up of 23 percent of patients in drug branch and 43 percent in the placebo branch. MINCIR scale identified a blinded randomized clinical trial, with an unclear randomized sequence, without sample size estimation and vague objectives. CONSORT proved the lack of working hypothesis and specific objectives as well as an absence of identification of the primary variable, absence of sample size calculation, ambiguities in the randomization process, absence of statistical adjustment and the omission of a subgroup analysis. SIGN verified the same methodological errors. Conclusions: The applied instruments found methodological deficiencies that jeopardize the internal and external validity of the study.

effect of silver nitrate, chloroformic garlic extract, and normal saline in induction of sclerosing cholangitis in rabbits

To evaluate the effects of 0.5% silver nitrate, 20% chloroformic garlic extract, and 0.9% normal saline in induction of sclerosing cholangitis in the bile ducts of rabbits. During a-6-months period from April to September 2006 in Shiraz University Laboratory Animal Research Center, we selected 3 equal groups of rabbits. We injected 0.5% silver nitrate, 20% chloroformic garlic extract, and 0.9% normal saline into the bile ducts of each group. The animals were euthanized, and autopsied after 4 months and the liver and bile ducts were removed and studied histopathologically. Cholangiography was undertaken to evaluate the presence and extent of any sclerosing cholangitis. Animals showed sclerosing cholangitis in silver nitrate group [7 [58%]], one [8%] in chloroformic garlic extract group and one [7%] in normal saline group. The difference between silver nitrate and chloroformic garlic extract groups were statistically significant and similar results were noticed between chloroformic garlic extract and normal saline groups. Twenty percent of chloroformic garlic extract had fewer complications such as sclerosing cholangitis, compared to other materials

Therapeutic effects of Sophora moorcroftiana alkaloids in combination with albendazole in mice experimentally infected with protoscolices of Echinococcus granulosus

The objective of the present study was to determine if the combination of alkaloids from Sophora moorcroftiana seeds and albendazole might be effective in the treatment of experimental echinococcosisin female NIH mice (6 weeks old and weighing 18-20 g, N = 8 in each group) infected withprotoscolices of Echinococcus granulosus. Viable protoscolices (N = 6 x 103) were cultured in vitro in 1640 medium and mortality was calculated daily. To determine the in vivo efficacy, mice were inoculated intraperitoneally with viable protoscolices and then treated once daily by gavage for three months with the alkaloids (50 mg kg-1 day-1) and albendazole (50 mg kg-1 day-1), separately and in combination (both alkaloids at 25 mg kg-1 day-1 and albendazole at 25 mg kg-1 day-1). Next, the hydatid cysts collected from the peritoneal cavity of the animals were weighed and serum IL-4, IL-2, and IgE levels were analyzed. Administration of alkaloids to cultured protoscolices showed significant dose- and time-dependent killing effects. The weight of hydatid cysts was significantly decreased upon treatment with each drug (P < 0.01), but the decrease was more prominent and the rate of hydatid cyst growth inhibition was much higher (76.1 percent) in the group receiving the combined treatments (18.3 ± 4.6 mg). IL-4 and total IgE were decreased (939 ± 447 pg/mL and 2.03 ± 0.42 IU/mL, respectively) in serum from mice treated with alkaloids and albendazole compared with the untreated control (1481 ± 619 pg/mL and 3.31 ± 0.37 IU/mL; P < 0.01). These results indicate that S. moorcroftiana alkaloids have protoscolicidal effects and the combination of alkaloids and albendazole has significant additive effects.

Ruptured hydatid cyst of lung.

We report a case of 26 year old woman who had ruptured hydatid cyst of the right lung. The chest radiograph and CT features were suggestive of a ruptured hydatid cyst with detached and collapsed endocyst within the exocyst. Intraoperatively communication between cyst and bronchus could be demonstrated. Interesting CT appearance and demonstrable communication of cyst with bronchus is the reason for this case report.

In vitro evaluation of the scolicidal activity of cyclosporin A against the protoscolices of human echinococcus granulosus

Hydatid disease, also known as echinococcosis or hydatidosis, is caused by infection with larva of Echinococcus granulosus, which causes cystic hydatid disease. Surgery is the recommended treatment for hydatid cysts; however, drug therapy and percutaneous drainage have recently been introduced as alternative treatments. The scolicidal agents, including 3% hydrogen peroxide, 10% chlorhexidine, 20% hypertonic saline have been used mainly during surgical manipulation of the cysts. Recently cyclosporin A has been found to be lethal for E. granulosus protoscolices in vitro using cultured sheep hydatid cyst. The present work was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of different concentrations of cyclosporin A as a scolicidal agent on protoscolices of Echinococcus granulosus in vitro. Hydatid cysts were collected from 42 patients [10 males and 32 females with age range from 12-61 years] that have hydatosis during the surgical operation for the removal of these cysts. Eeosin exclusion test was utilized to examine the scolicidal activity of different concentrations of cyclosporin A compared to different concentrations of hydrogen peroxide, in addition to the effects on the integrity of the germinal layer compared to that produced by sodium hypochlorite. The results indicated that cyclosporin A, when used in a concentration of 25 micro g/ml, is more effective and safer than 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide; it can be used with sodium hypochlorite for complete scolicidal effect and melting of the germinal layer. In conclusion, cyclosporin A can be a good candidate as a scolicidal agent during surgical removal of hydatid cysts. The present work indicated that cyclosporin A has a good scolicidal effect when used in a concentration of 25 micro g/ml, and it is more effective and safer than 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide, it can be used in combination with sodium hypochlorite for complete scolicidal effect and melting of the germinal layer of the hydatid cyst. This may give an opportunity for using this compound in percutaneous drainage