infectious diseases
Echinococcosis
Diagnosis of Echinococcosis
Imaging Serologic testing Examination of cyst fluid CT, MRI, and ultrasound findings of the abdomen can be pathognomonic for cystic echinococcosis in the liver if daughter cysts and hydatid sand (protoscolices and debris) are present, but simple hydatid cysts may be difficult to differentiate from benign cysts, abscesses, or benign or malignant tumors. The presence of hydatid sand (scolices pass into the cyst fluid and form a white sediment) in aspirated cyst fluid is diagnostic. World Health Organization criteria use imaging results to categorize cysts as active, transitional, or inactive ( Treatment references ). Pulmonary involvement may present as round or irregular pulmonary masses on chest x-ray. Alveolar echinococcosis typically presents as an invasive mass. Serologic tests (enzyme immunoassay, indirect hemagglutination assay) are sensitive in detecting infection., which can be confirmed by demonstrating echinococcal antigens using immunodiffusion (arc 5) or immunoblot assays. Complete blood count may detect eosinophilia. 