Macroscopic and Microscopic Aspects of Echinococcus multilocularis and Echinococcus granulosus in Humans: A Guideline...

Echinococcosis is a parasitic disease, caused by the larval stage of the genus Echinococcus. Echinococcus multilocularis and Echinococcus granulosus cause alveolar echinococcosis (AE) and cystic echinococcosis (CE) in humans. Pathologists may be confronted with the larval stage of both species. Diagnosis may be difficult due to the low incidence in daily routine. However, right diagnosis of the pathologist is still the gold standard and crucial for further treatment of the patient.

Macroscopically, specimens of AE show multiple small cysts and a bread-like appearance. Instead, CE manifests as solitary or multiple grape-like cysts. In this review, we give a short algorithm for the differential diagnosis on histological grounds. Hematoxylin and eosin staining is supported by an additional periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, highlighting the laminated layer (LL) as key microscopic structure. Lymphocytes and fibrosis are present at the interface with the adjoining liver tissue. The main difference lies in the morphology of the LL. In the PAS staining, this deeply violet structure is fragmented and thin in AE, while in CE, it is broad and striated. Further important characteristics are the size of the cysts and the pericystic fibrosis. The different types of CT lesions correspond to different histological features. Treatment with benzimidazoles may influence morphology. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) with the monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) EmG3 and Em2G11 shows differences in staining patterns regarding AE and CE. IHC is decisive to settle the diagnosis in unclear situations and when only small particles of E. multilocularis (SPEMS) or E. granulosus (SPEGS) are present, e.g., in lymph nodes.

The PAS-positive LL is the microscopic hallmark for the differential diagnosis of AE/CE. For further support in unclear situations, IHC with mAb EmG3 and mAb Em2G11 is advised.