Alveolar hydatid disease
| Alveolar hydatid disease | |
| ICD-10 | B67.7 |
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| ICD-9 | 122.7 |
| DiseasesDB | 4048 |
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Differentiating Alveolar hydatid disease from other Diseases |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Assosciate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Prashanth Saddala M.B.B.S
Synonyms and keywords: Alveolar echinococcosis, AE, echinococcosis alveolar, echinococciasis multilocular
Epidemiology and Demographics
Alveolar hydatid disease is found worldwide, mostly in northern latitudes. Cases have been reported in central Europe, Russia, China, Central Asia, Japan, and North America. In North America E. multilocularis is found primarily in the north central region from eastern Montana to central Ohio, as well as Alaska and Canada. Human cases have been reported in Alaska, the province of Manitoba, and Minnesota. Prevalence among wild foxes and coyotes is high, and may reach over 50% in some areas; however, even in these areas, transmission to humans has been low.
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
AE is caused by tumor-like or cyst-like tapeworm larvae growing in the body. AE usually involves the liver, but can spread to other organs of the body. Because the cysts are slow-growing, infection with AE may not produce any symptoms for many years.
- Pain or discomfort in the upper abdominal region.
- Weakness.
- Weight loss may occur as a result of the growing cysts.
- Symptoms may mimic those of liver cancer and cirrhosis of the liver.
- Hemoptysis may be present.
Physical Examination
On physical examination,
- Abdominal mass may be present.
- Ascites may be present.
- Hepatomegaly may be present.
- Hydrocephalus may be present.
Laboratory tests
Laboratory tests findings are
Other Imaging findings
- Intracranial calcification
Treatment
Surgery
Surgery is the most common form of treatment for AE, although removal of the entire parasite mass is not always possible. After surgery, medication may be necessary to keep the cyst from growing back.
Prevention
If you live in an area where E. multilocularis is found in rodents and wild canines, take the following precautions to avoid infection:
- Don't touch a fox, coyote, or other wild canine, dead or alive, unless you are wearing gloves. Hunters and trappers should use plastic gloves to avoid exposure.
- Don't keep wild animals, especially wild canines, as pets or encourage them to come close to your home.
- Don't allow your cats and dogs to wander freely or to capture and eat rodents.
- If you think that your pet may have eaten rodents, consult your veterinarian about the possible need for preventive treatments.
- After handling pets, always wash your hands with soap and warm water.
- Fence in gardens to keep out wild animals.
- Do not collect or eat wild fruits or vegetables picked directly from the ground. All wild-picked foods should be washed carefully or cooked before eating.