Treatment of uncomplicated hepatic cystic echinococcosis (hydatid disease).

BACKGROUND: Cystic echinococcosis is a parasitic infection mainly impacting people living in low- and middle-income countries. Infection may lead to cyst development within organs, pain, non-specific symptoms or complications including abscesses and cyst rupture. Treatment can be difficult and varies by country. Treatments include oral medication, percutaneous techniques and surgery. One Cochrane review previously assessed the benefits and harms of percutaneous treatment compared with other treatments. However, evidence for oral medication, percutaneous techniques and surgery in specific cyst stages has not been systematically investigated and the optimal choice remains uncertain. OBJECTIVES: To assess the benefits and harms of medication, percutaneous and surgical interventions for treating uncomplicated hepatic cystic echinococcosis. SEARCH METHODS: We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, two other databases and two trial registries to 4 May 2023. We searched the reference lists of included studies, and contacted experts and researchers in the field for relevant studies. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in people with a diagnosis of uncomplicated hepatic cystic echinococcosis of World Health Organization (WHO) cyst stage CE1, CE2, CE3a or CE3b comparing either oral medication (albendazole) to albendazole plus percutaneous interventions, or to surgery plus albendazole. Studies comparing praziquantel plus albendazole to albendazole alone prior to or following an invasive intervention (surgery or percutaneous treatment) were eligible for inclusion. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard Cochrane methods. Our primary outcomes were symptom improvement, recurrence, inactive cyst at 12 months and all-cause mortality at 30 days. Our secondary outcomes were development of secondary echinococcosis, complications of treatment and duration of hospital stay. We used GRADE to assess the certainty of evidence. MAIN RESULTS: We included three RCTs with 180 adults and children with hepatic cystic echinococcosis. Two studies enrolled people aged 5 to 72 years, and one study enrolled children aged 6 to 14 years. One study compared standard catheterization plus albendazole with puncture, aspiration, injection and re-aspiration (PAIR) plus albendazole, and two studies compared laparoscopic surgery plus albendazole with open surgery plus albendazole. The three RCTs were published between 2020 and 2022 and conducted in India, Pakistan and Turkey. There were no other comparisons. Standard catheterization plus albendazole versus PAIR plus albendazole The cyst stages were CE1 and CE3a. The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of standard catheterization plus albendazole compared with PAIR plus albendazole on cyst recurrence (risk ratio (RR) 3.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.16 to 84.66; 1 study, 38 participants; very low-certainty evidence). The evidence is very uncertain about the effects of standard catheterization plus albendazole on 30-day all-cause mortality and development of secondary echinococcosis compared to open surgery plus albendazole. There were no cases of mortality at 30 days or secondary echinococcosis (1 study, 38 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Major complications were reported by cyst and not by participant. Standard catheterization plus albendazole may increase major cyst complications compared with PAIR plus albendazole, but the evidence is very uncertain (RR 10.74, 95% CI 1.39 to 82.67; 1 study, 53 cysts; very low-certainty evidence). Standard catheterization plus albendazole may make little to no difference on minor complications compared with PAIR plus albendazole, but the evidence is very uncertain (RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.60 to 1.77; 1 study, 38 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Standard catheterization plus albendazole may increase the median duration of hospital stay compared with PAIR plus albendazole, but the evidence is very uncertain (4 (range 1 to 52) days versus 1 (range 1 to 15) days; 1 study, 38 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Symptom improvement and inactive cysts at 12 months were not reported. Laparoscopic surgery plus albendazole versus open surgery plus albendazole The cyst stages were CE1, CE2, CE3a and CE3b. The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of laparoscopic surgery plus albendazole on cyst recurrence in participants with CE2 and CE3b cysts compared to open surgery plus albendazole (RR 3.00, 95% CI 0.13 to 71.56; 1 study, 82 participants; very low-certainty evidence). The second study involving 60 participants with CE1, CE2 or CE3a cysts reported no recurrence in either group. The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of laparoscopic surgery plus albendazole on 30-day all-cause mortality in participants with CE1, CE2, CE3a or CE3b cysts compared to open surgery plus albendazole. There was no mortality in either group (2 studies, 142 participants; very low-certainty evidence). The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of laparoscopic surgery plus albendazole on major complications in participants with CE1, CE2, CE3a or CE3b cysts compared to open surgery plus albendazole (RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.13 to 1.92; 2 studies, 142 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Laparoscopic surgery plus albendazole may lead to slightly fewer minor complications in participants with CE1, CE2, CE3a or CE3b cysts compared to open surgery plus albendazole (RR 0.13, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.98; 2 studies, 142 participants; low-certainty evidence). Laparoscopic surgery plus albendazole may reduce the duration of hospital stay compared with open surgery plus albendazole (mean difference (MD) -1.90 days, 95% CI -2.99 to -0.82; 2 studies, 142 participants; low-certainty evidence). Symptom improvement, inactive cyst at 12 months and development of secondary echinococcosis were not reported. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous and surgical interventions combined with albendazole can be used to treat uncomplicated hepatic cystic echinococcosis; however, there is a scarcity of randomised evidence directly comparing these interventions. There is very low-certainty evidence to indicate that standard catheterization plus albendazole may lead to fewer cases of recurrence, more major complications and similar complication rates compared to PAIR plus albendazole in adults and children with CE1 and CE3a cysts. There is very low-certainty evidence to indicate that laparoscopic surgery plus albendazole may result in fewer cases of recurrence or fewer major complications compared to open surgery plus albendazole in adults and children with CE1, CE2, CE3a and CE3b cysts. Laparoscopic surgery plus albendazole may lead to slightly fewer minor complications. Firm conclusions cannot be drawn due to the limited number of studies, small sample size and lack of events for some outcomes.

Fifty-five cases of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis combined with lymph node metastasis: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Lymph node metastasis is a specific type of metastasis in hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (AE). Currently, there is a scarcity of describing the clinical characteristics and lymph node metastasis rules of patients with hepatic AE combined with lymph node metastasis and its mechanism and management are still controversial. Radical hepatectomy combined with regional lymph node dissection is a better treatment. AIM: To analyse the clinical features of hepatic AE combined with lymph node metastasis to explore its treatment and efficacy. METHODS: A total of 623 patients with hepatic AE admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from 1 January 2012 to 1 January 2022 were retrospectively analysed. Fifty-five patients with combined lymph node metastasis were analysed for their clinical data, diagnosis and treatment methods, follow-up efficacy, and characteristics of lymph node metastasis. Finally, we comparatively analysed the lymph node metastasis rates at different sites. Categorical variables are expressed as frequencies and percentages, and the analysis of difference was performed using the χ 2 test. The Bonferroni method was used for pairwise comparisons when statistical differences existed between multiple categorical variables. RESULTS: A lymph node metastasis rate of 8.8% (55/623) was reported in patients with hepatic AE, with a female predilection (69.1%) and a statistically significant sex difference (χ 2 = 8.018, P = 0.005). Of the 55 patients with lymph node metastasis, 72.7% had a parasite lesion, neighbouring organ invasion, and metastasis stage of P3N1M0 and above, of which 67.3%, 78.2%, and 34.5% of hepatic AE lesions invaded the bile ducts, blood vessels, and distant metastases, respectively. Detection rates of lymph node metastasis of 16.4%, 21.7%, and 34.2% were reported for a preoperative abdominal ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography examinations. All patients were intraoperatively suspected with enlarged lymph nodes and underwent radical hepatectomy combined with regional lymph node dissection. After surgery, a routine pathological examination was conducted on the resected lymph nodes. A total of 106 positive lymph nodes were detected in six groups at various sites, including 51 single-group metastasis cases and four multi-group metastasis cases. When the metastasis rates at different sites were statistically analysed, we observed that the metastasis rate in the para-hepatoduodenal ligament lymph nodes was significantly higher than that of the other sites (χ 2 = 128.089, P = 0.000 < 0.05). No statistical difference was observed in the metastasis rate between the five other groups. Clavien-Dindo grade IIIa complication occurred in 14 cases, which improved after administering symptomatic treatment. Additionally, lymph node dissection-related complications were not observed. Recurrence after 2 years was observed in one patient. CONCLUSION: Lymph node metastasis is a rare form of metastasis in hepatic AE, which is more frequent in women. Para-hepatoduodenal ligament lymph nodes are commonly observed. Radical hepatectomy combined with regional lymph node dissection is a safe, effective, and feasible treatment for liver AE combined with lymph node metastasis.

Complicated Liver Cystic Echinococcosis-A Comprehensive Literature Review and a Tale of Two Extreme Cases.

Cystic echinococcosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease that affects the liver in more than 70% of cases, and there is still an underestimated incidence in endemic areas. With a peculiar clinical presentation that ranges from paucisymptomatic illness to severe and possibly fatal complications, quality imaging and serological studies are required for diagnosis. The mainstay of treatment to date is surgery combined with antiparasitic agents. The surgical armamentarium consists of open and laparoscopic procedures for selected cases with growing confidence in parenchyma-sparing interventions. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is extremely useful for the diagnosis and treatment of biliary fistulas. Recent relevant studies in the literature are reviewed, and two complex cases are presented. The first patient underwent open surgery to treat 11 liver cysts, and during the follow-up, a right pulmonary cyst was diagnosed that was treated by minimally invasive surgery. The second case is represented by the peritoneal rupture of a giant liver cyst in a young woman who underwent laparoscopic surgery. Both patients developed biliary fistulas that were managed by ERCP. Both patients exhibited a non-specific clinical presentation and underwent several surgical procedures combined with antiparasitic agents, highlighting the necessity of customized treatment in order to decrease complications and successfully cure the disease.

The role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in the treatment of hepatic cystic Echinococcus in a high HIV prevalence population: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a useful, minimally invasive intervention in managing complicated hepatic cystic echinococcosis (HCE). This study aims to assess the use of ERCP in a South African HCE cohort with and without human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection. METHODS: An analysis was performed of patients with HCE who were assessed for surgery and underwent ERCP at a tertiary hospital in South Africa between 2011 and 2023. Demographics, clinical data, imaging characteristics, operative management, and postoperative complications were compared between HIV-negative (HIV-) and HIV-positive (HIV+) cohorts. RESULTS: Of the 91 patients assessed, 45 (mean age 34.6 years, 73.3% females, 23 HIV+) required ERCP. HIV status did not significantly affect cyst characteristics or surgical outcomes. HIV+ patients had a higher incidence of intraoperative bile leaks (p = 0.025). There were 18 patients who underwent preoperative ERCPs, mainly for biliary-cyst complications primarily causing obstructive jaundice. A total of 40 patients required postoperative ERCPs, mainly for bile leaks. There were no ERCP-related mortalities and only one case of pancreatitis. ERCP success rates were comparable in both cohorts, with an overall success rate of 86.7%. CONCLUSION: HIV co-infection did not significantly impact the clinical course or outcomes of cystic echinococcosis (CE) patients undergoing ERCP. Perioperative ERCP proved effective in managing biliary complications of HCE as well as postoperative complications, regardless of HIV status. This study underscores the importance of endoscopic interventions in the comprehensive management of CE.

Does HIV co-infection promote Echinococcus dissemination?

SUMMARY: The influence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) on the severity of hepatic cystic echinococcosis (CE) is uncertain. HIV-modulated immune suppression may increase the risk of contracting CE with less self-limiting disease, more rapid progression, and a higher likelihood of complications. A 30-year-old male with concurrent, untreated HIV underwent surgery for two large, complicated hepatic CE cysts, which were replacing the right hemiliver, and innumerable peritoneal daughter cysts. At operation, 30 kg of cystic material was removed from the liver and peritoneal cavity. Despite postoperative complications, including cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, and a bile leak, the patient made a full recovery.

Intrabiliary Rupture of a Hepatic Hydatid Cyst: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND Hydatid disease is a common parasitic infection in many areas of Asia, South America, and Africa. It can affect any organ, most commonly the liver. The hydatid is often asymptomatic and the diagnosis is made when complications arise. The most common complication of this disease is opening in the bile ducts, which is a life-threatening condition causing serious acute cholangitis. We report a case of acute cholangitis caused by hydatid cyst rupture into the right bile duct. CASE REPORT A 33-year-old woman, with no medical or surgical history, presented to our Emergency Department with abdominal pain, jaundice, and fever for 3 days prior to admission. The patient was hemodynamically stable. In the examination, we noticed right upper-quadrant tenderness with guarding, icterus sclera, and negative Murphy sign. A CT scan showed a liver hydatid cyst of the 4th and 8th of segments, with intrahepatic and extrahepatic biliary duct dilation. The cyst communicated with the right hepatic bile duct via a large fistula. A diagnosis of acute cholangitis was made and she underwent conservative treatment with external drainage of the pericystic cavity through the biliary duct. The postoperative course was uncomplicated and she was discharged 15 days later. CONCLUSIONS The surgical approach to hepatic hydatid must be customized based on the specific characteristics of the cyst and associated complications. Acute hydatid cholangitis is a rare but serious complication of a hydatid cyst, which requires early diagnosis and adequate surgical management.

Disasters that develop in the liver due to hydatid cyst: a case report.

Hilar cavernous transformation is the formation of venous structures rich in collateral around the portal vein. Portal vein thrombosis is a rare entity. Although there are many reasons for its etiology, few cases have been reported secondary to hydatid cysts in the liver. Here, we present a 24-year-old patient with complaints of abdominal pain and swelling. Her CT and MRI scans show cholelithiasis with portal vein thrombosis and hilar cavernous transformation due to giant hydatid cyst compression in the lateral liver sector.

La transformación cavernosa hiliar es la formación de estructuras venosas ricas en colaterales alrededor de la vena porta. La trombosis de la vena porta es una afección poco frecuente. Aunque existen muchas razones en su etiología, se han descrito pocos casos secundarios a quiste hidatídico en el hígado. Aquí se presenta el caso de una paciente de 24 años con quejas de dolor abdominal e hinchazón. La tomografía computarizada y la resonancia magnética mostraron colelitiasis con trombosis de la vena porta y transformación cavernosa hiliar por compresión del quiste hidatídico gigante en el sector lateral del hígado.

Treatment Options and the Management of Complications in Hydatid Cysts of the Liver in Endemic Regions.

BACKGROUND: Hydatid cyst of the liver induced by Echinococcus granulosus is a pervasive zoonotic disease in our region. Its incidence varies across age groups, contingent on community lifespans and hygiene standards. Therapeutic modalities include Puncture, Aspiration, Injection, Re-aspiration (PAIR), and surgery. Due the limited feasability of PAIR, we suggest that surgery represents the optimal treatment in all stages, especially in endemic regions, depending on patient-specific variables. METHOD: Patients with hydatid cyst of the liver treated with PAIR and surgery in our center between January 2016 and January 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. PAIR or cystectomy were applied in treatment. These were then compared in terms of efficacy, feasibility, and complications. RESULTS: A single hydatid cyst of the liver was detected in 184 of the 225 cases, two cysts in 33, and three or more cysts in eight. The largest cyst diameter was 233 × 124 mm in the surgery group and 100 × 90 mm in the PAIR group. One hundred thirty-three of the 225 patients underwent open surgery, and no recurrence was encountered in these. However, recurrence was observed 19 patients treated with PAIR. Allergic reaction developed in one case during surgery, postoperative abscess in two cases, biliary fistula in five, and pneumonia in one. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment should represent the standard procedure since it is safe and effective, ensures complete elimination of the parasite, involves no intraoperative shedding, preserves healthy tissues, and minimizes the risk of long-term recurrence and cavity-related complications.

Treatment of Cavernous Transformation of Portal Vein Caused by Hepatic Cystic Echinococcosis Using Ex Vivo Liver Resection and Autotransplantation.

BACKGROUND Hepatic cystic echinococcosis (HCE) is a frequently overlooked parasitic liver disease, for which the commonly recommended treatment is radical resection. However, this approach is often associated with severe comorbidities such as HBV/HCV, cirrhosis, and hepatic carcinoma, among others. CASE REPORT In this report, we present a case successfully managed by ex vivo liver resection and autologous liver transplantation (ELRA). In the described case, ex vivo resection was not feasible due to recurrent lesions and infections invading the portal vein, which resulted in portal vein cavernous transformation. CONCLUSIONS Through this paper, we aim to detail the treatment process, showcasing the feasibility and advantages of ELRA. Additionally, we propose a novel approach for the treatment of this disease, while emphasizing the importance of radical resection surgery to prevent long-term complications.

Predictive factors of occult cystobiliary fistulas during conservative treatment of hepatic hydatid cyst: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Occult cystobiliary fistula (CBF) is a common complication of hepatic hydatid cyst (HHC). It is often the cause of high morbidity of conservative treatment of HHC. This study aimed to determine the predictive factors of occult CBF to establish the indications for the investigation and treatment of these CBFs. METHODS: This was a prospective study that included all operated HHCs over a 3-year period. HHCs complicated with large CBFs were not included in the study. Systematic cholecystectomy and methylene blue test for all cysts were performed. RESULTS: A total of 46 patients operated on with 113 cysts were included in this study. The median cyst size was 6.7 cm (IQR, 1-38). A total of 114 CBFs were detected in 51 cysts (45.1%). The postoperative course was simple in 95.0% of cases. The specific morbidity rate was 2.7%. In a bivariate study, absence of mass and abdominal pain on palpation, hemoglobin level >11.55 g/dL, negative hydatid serology, cyst size, absence of calcifications, vascular compression, existence of a single cyst, and localization at segment VIII were predictive factors of occult CBF. At the end of the multivariate study, cyst size was determined to be the only predictive factor for occult CBF. A threshold of 3 cm was used. CONCLUSION: Cyst size is a major predictive factor for occult CBF.

Severe Hypernatremia During Hydatid Cyst Surgery: An Anusual Cause Of Acute Abdomen.

Treatment of liver hydatid cysts is still in most cases surgical. To avoid the recurrence of hydatid cysts injection of scolicidal products inside the cystic cavity is an important step in the surgical procedure. Many scolicidal solutions are used. Hypertonic Saline Solution (HSS) is widely used by surgeons; however, there is a risk of hypertonic saline resorption and acute hypernatremia. Iatrogenic hypernatremia can be life-threatening. We report three cases of hypernatremia secondary to HSS injection for hydatid cyst disease treatment. The objective of this study was to discuss the clinical features, and treatment of this rare complication.

A Novel Technique for the Management of Persistent Biliary Fistulas Developing After Liver Hydatid Cyst Surgeries: Drain Clamping Technique.

BACKGROUND: External biliary fistula, where the residual cyst is associated with the biliary tree, is one of the most common complications after liver hydatid cyst surgery. Surgical procedures become a consideration for patients in whom the biliary fistula persists despite all endoscopic procedures. However, reoperation for biliary fistula after hydatid cyst surgery leads to additional complications and increases morbidity and mortality. AIM: This study aims to treat persistent biliary fistulas that develop after liver hydatid cyst surgery using a simple noninvasive technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: External drainage surgery was performed on 295 patients with liver hydatid cysts. Endoscopic treatment methods were used in patients who developed biliary fistula after surgery. Despite all endoscopic treatment methods, 14 patients developed persistent biliary fistulas. These patients were subsequently treated using the drain clamping technique. FINDINGS: All persistent fistulas occluded in 11.86 days (with a range of 8-20 days). No complications were observed in the one-year follow-up visits. CONCLUSION: Drain clamping, a novel approach to the treatment of persistent biliary fistulas developed despite all available endoscopic methods, can be safely used. This technique resulted in a complete recovery in patients without the need for surgical procedures.

A novel remnant liver-first strategy for liver autotransplantation in patients with end-stage hepatic alveolar echinococcosis: a retrospective case series.

BACKGROUND: Ex vivo liver resection combined with autotransplantation is an effective therapeutic strategy for unresectable end-stage hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE). However, ex vivo liver resection combined with autotransplantation is a technically demanding and time-consuming procedure associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The authors aimed to present our novel remnant liver-first strategy of in vivo liver resection combined with autotransplantation (IRAT) technique for treating patients with end-stage HAE. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients who underwent IRAT between January 2014 and December 2020 at two institutions. Patients with end-stage HAE were carefully assessed for IRAT by a multidisciplinary team. The safety, feasibility, and outcomes of this novel technique were analyzed. RESULTS: IRAT was successfully performed in six patients, with no perioperative deaths. The median operative time was 537.5 min (range, 501.3-580.0), the median anhepatic time was 59.0 min (range, 54.0-65.5), and the median cold ischemia time was 165.0 min (range, 153.8-201.5). The median intraoperative blood loss was 700.0 ml (range, 475.0-950.0). In-hospital complications occurred in two patients. No Clavien-Dindo grade III or higher complications were observed. At a median follow-up of 18.6 months (range, 15.4-76.0) , all patients were alive. No recurrence of HAE was observed. CONCLUSION: The remnant liver-first strategy of IRAT is feasible and safe for selected patients with end-stage HAE. The widespread adoption of this novel technique requires further studies to standardize the operative procedure and identify patients who are most likely to benefit from it.

Kidney invasion occurred 2 years following liver transplantation for hepatic alveolar echinococcosis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: The organ most commonly invaded in echinococcosis is the liver; the lungs, brain, kidneys, heart, and spleen are rarely invaded, and multi-organ involvement in echinococcosis is even rarer. No studies have reported renal invasion after liver transplantation for hepatic alveolar echinococcosis. CASE PRESENTATION: We report here a case of renal invasion 2 years after allogeneic liver transplantation in a 53-year-old female patient with hepatic alveolar echinococcosis combined with lung metastases. At the time of the first consultation, the lesion had been found to involve the second hepatic hilum combined with lung metastases, but the patient requested conservative treatment, and the lesion was not controlled by taking albendazole for 3 years. After discussion in the treatment group, it was decided to use allogeneic liver transplantation and lung segmental resection for surgical treatment, after which the patient was put on long-term oral immunosuppression. She was hospitalized 2 years later for low back pain and diagnosed with renal alveolar echinococcosis. Due to significant compression and left-sided renal insufficiency, the final option was to remove the diseased kidney. It is worth mentioning that signs of unexplained urinary tract infection were present throughout the course of treatment. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that extra attention should be paid to the presence of cryptogenic lesions in patients with hepatic alveolar echinococcosis who already have definite metastatic lesions. Immunosuppressive drugs after liver transplantation in patients with hepatic echinococcosis may cause occult lesions to develop into active ones. In clinical practice, particular attention should be paid to patients with hepatic alveolar echinococcosis with long-term concomitant signs of unexplained urinary tract infections, which may be a precursor clinical feature of cryptogenic renal alveolar echinococcosis.

Rupture of a liver hydatid cyst into the right portal vein leading to right portal vein thrombosis: a case report and literature review.

Hydatid disease (HD) is a worldwide parasitic disease. HD is endemic in many sheep- and cattle-raising areas, with a high prevalence of 5% to 10% in the Mediterranean region. Fistulation of liver hydatid cysts (LHC) in the bile ducts is the most common complication, followed by rupture of cysts in the peritoneal and thoracic cavities. Vascular complications are a rare complication of HD. We describe the case of a 70-year-old woman who was admitted with the chief complaint of pain in the abdominal right upper quadrant for 6 months. Abdominal computed tomography revealed a large LHC in the right liver that had ruptured into the right portal vein branch, with venous thrombosis. Intraoperatively, the right portal vein was opened longitudinally, and the hydatid contents were evacuated. Right hepatectomy was performed to completely excise the LHC. The penetration of a cyst into an adjoining vessel is very rare, and portal vein invasion by HD is extremely rare, with only 10 cases published in the literature, to the best of our knowledge.

Vascular pathology in patients with alveolar echinococcosis: framework for assessment and clinical management - a retrospective case series.

OBJECTIVE: Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a parasitic liver disease with infiltrative growth similar to solid organ malignancies. Major vascular damage is frequent and often remains untreated until catastrophic events precipitate. Detailed clinical and radiological assessment is required to guide individualised treatment decisions. Standardised radiological reporting templates of malignancies with profiles resembling AE are candidates for adaptation. Our objectives are to describe vascular pathology in AE and establish a framework for structured evaluation as the basis for treatment decisions and monitoring. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. RESULTS: 69 patients (37.1%) had vascular involvement: portal vein (PV) 24.7%, hepatic vein (HV) 22.6% inferior vena cava (IVC) 13.4%. Significant stenosis/occlusion of vessels was present in 15.1% of PV, in 13.4% of HV and in 7.5% of IVC involvement. Vascular pathology needing specific treatment or monitoring was present in 8.6% of patients. The most frequent clinical presentation was high grade IVC stenosis or occlusion which was seen in 11 patients of the cohort. CONCLUSION: Advanced AE requires early multidisciplinary assessment to prevent progressive impairment of liver function due to vascular damage. The focus at first presentation is on complete evaluation of vascular (and biliary) involvement. The focus in non-resectable AE is on prevention of vascular (and biliary) complications while suppressing growth of AE lesions by benzimidazole treatment to improve the quality of life of patients. We developed a framework for standardised vascular assessment and follow-up of patients with AE to recognise and treat complications early.

Collateral circulation caused by end-stage hepatic alveolar echinococcosis.

BACKGROUND: Hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE), as a benign parasitic disease with malignant infiltrative activity, grows slowly in the liver, allowing sufficient time for collateral vessels to emerge in the process of vascular occlusion. METHODS: The portal vein (PV), hepatic vein and hepatic artery were observed by enhanced CT and the inferior vena cava (IVC) by angiography, respectively. Analysis of the anatomical characteristics of the collateral vessels helped to look into the pattern and characteristics of vascular collateralization caused by this specific etiology. RESULTS: 33, 5, 12 and 1 patients were included in the formation of collateral vessels in PV, hepatic vein, IVC and hepatic artery, respectively. PV collateral vessels were divided into two categories according to different pathways: type I: portal -portal venous pathway (13 cases) and type II: type I incorporates a portal-systemic circulation pathway (20 cases). Hepatic vein (HV) collateral vessels fell into short hepatic veins. The patients with IVC collateral presented with both vertebral and lumbar venous varices. Hepatic artery collateral vessels emanating from the celiac trunk maintains blood supply to the healthy side of the liver. CONCLUSIONS: Due to its special biological nature, HAE exhibited unique collateral vessels that were rarely seen in other diseases. An in-depth study would be of great help to improve our understanding related to the process of collateral vessel formation due to intrahepatic lesions and its comorbidity, in addition to providing new ideas for the surgical treatment of end-stage HAE.

Diagnosis and surgical treatment of cysto-gastric fistula out of an hepatic hydatid cyst. Unusual case.

BACKGROUND: Hydatid cyst is an endemic zoonotic infection that annual incidence ranges from <1 to 200 per 100,000 individuals. The most common complication of hepatic hydatid cyst reported is rupture of the cysts, most commonly intrabiliary rupture. Direct rupture to hollow visceral organs is rarely seen. We describe here an unusual cystogastric fistula in a patient with liver hydatid cyst. CASE PRESENTATION: The 55-year-old male patient presented with right upper quadrant abdominal pain. After radiological imaging studies, the diagnose was of hydatid cyst involving the left lateral segment of the liver ruptured into the gastric lumen and resulted in a cystogastric fistula. Gastroscopy revealed that the cyst and its contents protruding from anterior wall to the gastric lumen. Partial pericystectomy and omentopexy were performed and the gastric wall was primarily repaired. There were no complications in the postoperative period and 3-month follow up. CONCLUSION: This case, to our knowledge, is the first reported case of cystogastric fistula surgically treated in a patient with liver hydatid cyst in the literature. Our clinical experience shows that, although it is a benign disease, complicated hydatid cysts should be evaluated in detail preoperatively, and after the detailed diagnostic work-up, surgical therapy might be planned individually for each case. KEY WORDS: Cysto-gastric fistula, Hydatid Cyst, Liver hydatidosis.