[Atypical Echinococcus cysticus (granulosus) of the liver]

An atypical case of cystic echinococcosis of the liver is reported. During a routine examination of a 75-year-old man an asymptomatic hepatic lesion was found. US, CT and MRI showed a solid, avascular, non-invasively growing lesion. Echinococcus serology was negative. Histological samples taken by biopsy and after cyst extirpation confirmed the diagnosis of an old, scarred Echinococcus cyst. Such findings are rare in echinococcosis and cause difficulties with the diagnosis. Be- cause of the increasing age of the population and the presence of tourists and immigrants from endemic areas, this condition is becoming more frequent. It should be considered in the differential diagnosis of focal hepatic lesions.