Multivisceral Echinococcosis: Concept Diagnosis Management

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Multivisceral Echinococcosis: Concept Diagnosis Management

C. Grozavu, M. Ilias, D. Pantile
Original article, no. 6, 2014
Introduction: Hydatid disease is in a come-back period. InRomania the incidence is cited at 5-6 cases per 100,000inhabitants.Material and Method: In this study we define the concept ofmultivisceral echinococcosis, which is a more serious form ofthe hydatid disease with implications of diagnosis, treatment,morbidity and mortality. Multivisceral echinococcosis must bedifferentiated from multiple echinococcosis. The latter isdefined as the localization of multiple hydatid cysts in thesame organ. In case of multiple echinococcosis, we candescribe double echinococcosis (two hydatid cysts located inthe same organ), triple, etc. The etiology of multivisceralechinococcosis is similar to mono-visceral echinococcosis.Regarding the pathogenic mechanism, we appreciate thatthere are two distinct mechanisms: primary infection (most ofthem) and secondary infection.Discussion: We propose a classification of multivisceralechinococcosis based on the anatomical compartment involved.The diagnosis of this condition is easy to establish using classicor more recent investigations (CT, MRI). Compared to monovisceralechinococcosis, the symptomatology is louder because of the involvement of several organs and its association withdifferent other conditions.Conclusions: We wish this study to bring more informationabout hydatid disease, but especially about multivisceralechinococcosis.