Extrahepatic alveolar echinococcus on multi-slice computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Parasitology
• Radiology

Background:

• Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) poses a significant health challenge in endemic regions, with increasing incidence reported in China.
• Extrahepatic manifestations of AE are less common but can affect various organs, complicating diagnosis and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To illustrate the characteristic multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of extrahepatic alveolar echinococcosis.
• To analyze the prevalence and common locations of extrahepatic AE based on imaging features.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective analysis of 33 patients with confirmed extrahepatic AE from January 2012 to December 2017.
• Detailed recording and radiologist analysis of MSCT and MRI features for each patient.
• Documentation of AE locations, including lung, adrenal gland, brain, and others.

Main Results:

• The majority of extrahepatic AE cases were secondary to hepatic AE.
• Commonly affected organs included the lung (57.6%), adrenal gland (30.3%), and brain (27.3%).
• Specific imaging features were observed for lung (nodules with vacuoles/cavities), brain (nodules with calcification/edema), and adrenal gland (plaques with hypodense areas). Contrast enhancement was limited, except in the brain.

Conclusions:

• MSCT and MRI are reliable diagnostic tools for identifying extrahepatic AE.
• Comprehensive MSCT scans (chest to abdomen) are recommended for AE patients to detect potential extrahepatic involvement.