[Efficacy of low-dose albendazole therapy in hydatic liver disease: a case report]

Hydatid liver disease is the most common form of human echinococcosis in Poland. Epidemiological data show a rising number of cases recognised last years. It is probably because of easier availability of ultrasound examination and computed tomography in the diagnostic procedures. While surgery remains the only approach for a radical cure, the chemotherapy with albendazole has became a useful advance in the management of cystic echinococcosis for the problem patient (inoperable disease, widely disseminated cysts, high surgical risk, etc.). The authors describe a patient with hydatid liver disease successfully treated with albendazole as a alternative treatment to surgery. A cyclic treatment of 28 days with 2 week break in between for 9 months with low doses of albendazole (6 mg/kg) resulted in clinical improvement and involution of hepatic cysts.