Surgical treatment of alveolar echinococcosis: a single centre experience and systematic review of the literature
Abstract
Introduction: Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a zoonosis caused by Echinococcus multilocularis. AE is primarily localised in the liver.
Echinococcus multilocularis imitates tumour-like behaviour. It can metastasise through blood or lymphatic system to distant organs.
Echinococcosis often remains asymptomatic due to its long incubation period and indistinct symptoms. Clinical symptoms are determined by the parasite's location.
Diagnosis of echinococcosis is based on medical history, clinical symptoms, laboratory tests, serology results, imaging methods and final histology findings. Surgical removal of the cyst with a safety margin, followed by chemotherapy is the therapeutic method of choice.
Case report: We present a case report of alveolar echinococcosis in a thirty-year-old female patient in whom we surgically removed multiple liver foci of alveolar echinococcosis. The disease recurred after two years and required another surgical intervention.
Conclusions: Alveolar echinococcosis is a disease with a high potential for a complete cure provided that it is diagnosed early and that the recommended therapeutic procedures are strictly adhered to.