Sonographic appearance of hepatic hydatid disease

The sonographic appearance of 25 proved cases of hepatic hydatid disease was characterized and correlated with surgical and pathologic findings. Sonography has a very high accuracy in detecting the type, size, number and location of hepatic hydatid cysts. It also indicates whether they are live (Type I, IR, II) or dead (Type III). The presence of hydatid cysts in the rest of peritoneal cavity and their complications can also be detected. It is of immense help in the selection of cases in which urgent surgery is needed e.g. contained (Type IR), communicating and direct rupture of hydatid cysts. When hydatid cysts are infected, they lose their characteristic sonographic appearance and become hyperechoic. This article details the findings and emphasize the criteria for recognizing hepatic hydatid disease.