Echinococcosis overview
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor-In-Chief: Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2]; Kalsang Dolma, M.B.B.S.[3]
Overview
Echinococcosis is a potentially fatal parasitic disease that can affect many animals, including wildlife, commercial livestock and humans. The disease results from infection bytapeworm larvae of the genus Echinococcus - notably E. granulosus, E. multilocularis, and Echinococcus vogeli.
Diagnosis
X Ray
Radiography permits the detection of hydatid cysts in the lungs; however, in other organ sites, calcification is necessary for visualization.
Ultrasound
The imaging technique of choice for cystic echinococcosis is ultrasonography since it is not only able to visualize the cysts in the body’s organs [1] but it is also inexpensive, non-invasive and gives instant results.[2] Ultrasonography has been widely used for screening, clinical diagnosis, and monitoring of treatment of liver and intraabdominal cysts.
MRI
Both MRI and CT scans can and are often used although an MRI is often preferred to CT scans when diagnosing cystic echinococcosis since it gives better visualization of liquid areas within the tissue.
References
- ↑ Brunetti, Enrico, Peter Kern , and Dominique Vuitton. "Expert Consensus for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Cystic and Alveolar Echinococcosis in Humans." Acta Tropica (2009). Web. 24 February 2010.
- ↑ Macpherson, Calum N.L., Ruth Milner, and . "Performance Characteristics and Quality Control of Community Based Ultrasound Surveys for Cystic and Alveolar Echinococcosis." Acta Tropica 85. (2003): 203-09. Web. 24 February 2010.