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Published on: February 20, 2015
[Echinococcoses]
1Service d'hépatologie et de soins intensifs digestifs, CHU Jean-Minjoz, Groupe de recherche Santé-Environnement rural Université de Franche-Comté.
La Revue Du Praticien
|February 23, 2002
Summary
Human echinococcoses, caused by Echinococcus parasites, present with long latency. Advances in diagnosis and treatments like interventional radiology and albendazole have improved patient outcomes and quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Imaging
Context:
- Human echinococcoses, cystic echinococcosis (CE) and alveolar echinococcosis (AE), are zoonotic infections caused by Echinococcus granulosus and E. multilocularis.
- Both diseases exhibit prolonged latency periods before clinical manifestation, with CE typically presenting as liver or lung cysts and AE as a malignant liver tumor with potential metastasis.
Purpose:
- To review diagnostic modalities and treatment strategies for human echinococcoses.
- To highlight advancements in patient management and their impact on survival and quality of life.
Summary:
- Diagnosis relies on ultrasonography, CT scans, and serology.
- Surgery is the primary treatment for resectable cases; liver transplantation is an option for advanced AE.
- Interventional radiology is validated for CE and aids in managing AE complications. High-dose albendazole is crucial as adjuvant or long-term therapy.
Impact:
- Earlier diagnosis and novel treatments, including interventional radiology and pharmacotherapy, have significantly improved patient survival and quality of life.
- Interventional radiology offers a validated alternative for CE and palliative care for AE complications.
- Albendazole plays a vital role in managing echinococcoses, especially when complete resection is not feasible.
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