Petra Golob
Splošna bolnišnica Murska Sobota, Slovenija

Katja Zemljarič
Splošna bolnišnica Murska Sobota, Murska Sobota, Slovenija

Jernej Brecelj
Klinični oddelek za gastroenterologijo, hepatologijo in nutricionistiko, Pediatrična klinika, Univerzitetni klinični center Ljubljana in Katedra za pediatrijo, Medicinska fakulteta, Univerza v Ljubljani, Ljubljana, Slovenija

Abstract

Cystic echinococcosis or hydatid disease is a widely endemic parasitosis caused by infection with eggs of the Echinococcus granulosus tapeworm. The symptoms and clinical picture can vary, depending on the size and location of the cyst. In 70% of cases, the cyst formation occurs in the liver. The diagnosis is confirmed by serological testing for antibodies against hydatid antigens and by ultrasound or CT/MRI imaging. Treatment methods include chemotherapy with albendazole and/or surgical approaches, including percutaneous transhepatic sclerotherapy. The success of these methods is influenced by the stage and location of the hepatic cysts. However, cystic echinococcosis can be clinically silent and has a high recurrence risk. It is important to consider echinococcal infestation in the differential diagnosis of cystic liver lesions. We present a case of incidentally diagnosed disease in an asymptomatic boy.

Key words: hydatid cyst, parasitosis, Echinococcus granulosus, paediatrics