Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
journal of research in clinical medicine, cilt.9, sa.24, ss.9-24, 2021 (Hakemli Dergi)
Introduction: Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a tumor-mimicking parasitic disease caused
by Echinococcus multilocularis. In this study, we aimed to present the radiological imaging
findings of AE characterized by malignant features.
Methods: The radiological findings of 20 patients who were admitted to our hospital in Van
province between years 2014 and 2020 and were diagnosed with AE were retrospectively
evaluated. Of these patients, 30% had been operated due to a preliminary diagnosis of a tumor.
The study was conducted retrospectively by examining the drawback radiological images of
patients from the radiological data archiving system. The diagnosis of AE was confirmed when
lesions manifested the following radiological imaging findings: irregular margins, no contrast
uptake in dynamic contrast images or late peripheral enhancement, presence of calcifications,
and contralateral lobe hypertrophy.
Results: The mean age of the patients at the time of diagnosis was 50.95 (12-86) years. Of
the patients, 15 (75%) were women and 5 (25%) were men. Typical histopathological and
radiological imaging findings were present in 8 (40%) and 17 (85%) patients, respectively. Only
12 (60%) out of 20 patients had seropositivity by ELISA. The remaining 8 (40%) patients were
seronegative.
Conclusion: Radiological imaging examinations are essential in diagnosis and evaluation of
the extent of the disease. Different radiological techniques can be used to differentiate AE from
other diseases. Early diagnosis is important for avoiding unnecessary or inadequate operations
due to a misdiagnosis and preventing potential complications.