Computed tomography densitometry for discriminating between type 1 hydatid and simple hepatic cysts

ObjectiveDifferentiation of simple and type 1 hepatic hydatid cysts is challenging because of their similar contents and radiological appearance. We aimed to compare the density values of simple and Type 1 hepatic hydatid cysts measured on computed tomography.MethodsPatients with histopathologically, serologically, or macroscopically confirmed Type 1 hydatid or simple hepatic cysts were included in the study. Mean density values, expressed in Hounsfield units, were measured on axial images of contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography scans. The results of the two groups were compared using statistical analysis, and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsA total of 51 Type 1 hydatid and 36 simple cysts were included in the study. The mean age of patients with hydatid cysts was significantly lower than that of patients with simple cysts (p = 0.015). The mean diameter of lesions in the hydatid group was significantly larger than that in the simple cyst group (p < 0.001). Multiple-segment extension, as well as involvement of segments I, II, III, V, VI, and VII, was more common in the hydatid group, whereas involvement of segments IV and VIII was more frequent in the simple cyst group. The mean density of hydatid cysts (9.2 ± 8.8 Hounsfield units) was slightly higher than that of simple cysts (7.3 ± 6.5 Hounsfield units), but this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.301). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 54.6%. Male gender (p = 0.026) and younger patient age (p = 0.002) were significantly associated with the presence of a hydatid cyst. Additionally, increasing lesion size positively correlated with the likelihood of a hydatid cyst diagnosis (p = 0.001).ConclusionComputed tomography densitometry is not a reliable tool for discriminating between Type 1 hydatid and simple hepatic cysts, consistent with previous findings for other quantitative measurements using magnetic resonance imaging and elastosonography. Additionally, younger male patients with larger cysts were more likely to have a diagnosis of hepatic hydatid cyst.