Diagnostic and Management Perspectives in Alveolar Echinococcosis: Review of Literature

Alveolar echinococcosis is a life-threatening zoonotic disease caused by Echinococcus multilocularis. The disease usually primarily involves the liver and shows tumor-like growth. Early diagnosis of alveolar echinococcosis is difficult because the disease is usually asymptomatic in the early stages. Untreated cases are fatal and result in death within 10 years of liver involvement. In the diagnosis of alveolar echinococcosis, the patient's medical history, radiological imaging findings, and serological and histopathological tests are used together. Radiological imaging methods are very important for early diagnosis and differential diagnosis of the disease. In this article, we wanted to review the diagnosis and treatment of alveolar echinococcosis and emphasize the importance of keeping it in mind, especially in cystic lesions of the liver, and the importance of early diagnosis of the disease.

Automated summary

Alveolar echinococcosis is a life-threatening zoonotic disease primarily involving the liver and showing tumor-like growth. Early diagnosis is difficult, but can be achieved through medical history, radiological imaging, and serological and histopathological tests. Radiological imaging methods are crucial for early and differential diagnosis.