Coinfection with hepatic cystic and alveolar echinococcosis with abdominal wall abscess and sinus tract formation: A case report.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Hepatic cystic and alveolar echinococcosis coinfections, particularly with concurrent abscesses and sinus tract formation, are extremely rare. This article presents a case of a patient diagnosed with this unique presentation, discussing the typical imaging manifestations of both echinococcosis types and detailing the diagnosis and surgical treatment experience thereof. CASE SUMMARY: A 39-year-old Tibetan woman presented with concurrent hepatic cystic and alveolar echinococcosis, accompanied by abdominal wall abscesses and sinus tract formation. Initial conventional imaging examinations suggested only hepatic cystic echinococcosis, but intraoperative and postoperative pathological examination revealed the coinfection. Following radical resection of the lesions, the patient's condition improved, and she was discharged soon thereafter. Subsequent outpatient follow-ups confirmed no recurrence of the hydatid lesion and normal surgical wound healing. Though mixed hepatic cystic and alveolar echinococcosis with abdominal wall abscesses and sinus tract formations are rare, the general treatment approach remains consistent with that of simpler infections of alveolar echinococcosis. CONCLUSION: Lesions involving the abdominal wall and sinus tract formation, may require radical resection. Long-term prognosis includes albendazole and follow-up examinations.