Percutaneous Treatment of Hydatid Liver Cysts in Children as a Primary Treatment: Long-term Results

Repeated aspiration and sclerotherapy to manage recurrent spinal epidermoid cyst

Spinal epidermoid cysts are rare lesions and epidermoid cyst in intramedullary location is even rarer. Surgical excision is the mainstay of treatment; however, in cases of recurrence, repeat surgery becomes quite difficult. Treatment of recurrent intramedullary epidermoid cyst by surgery alone is a challenge. We managed one such rare case with repeated aspiration and sclerotherapy. Here, we have highlighted hypertonic saline sclerotherapy as a promising tool to treat recurrent spinal epidermoid cysts.

Echinococcus Granulosus in Childhood: A Retrospective Study of 187 Cases and Newer Data

Echinococcus granulosus, first reported by Goeze in 1782, is the causative parasite of cystic echinococcosis (hydatidosis) especially for countries that are endemic areas. Since the 1970s, the incidence of echinococcosis in Greece has been very high. Nevertheless, with the implementation of special prevention measures in the 1980s, a large reduction in the incidence of hydatidosis meant that it reached European levels. Therefore, we analyzed the demographics, multiple organ localizations of the parasite, diagnosis, and conservative and optimal surgical treatment over a total period of 39 years, especially for pulmonary and hepatic echinococcosis in children. The higher incidence of pulmonary echinococcosis compared with other localizations, male predominance, wide range of age, and various cystic sizes were some of the main demographics. Because cystic echinococcosis remains a main public health problem, we advocate a meticulous clinical investigation and treatment methodology to bridge the gap between knowledge and awareness of this important disease.

Percutaneous treatment of liver hydatid cysts in 190 patients: a retrospective study

Background Hydatid liver disease (HLD) is a significant health problem, especially in endemic areas worldwide. Percutaneous treatment is an effective alternative therapeutic option. Purpose To present the clinical and radiological results of percutaneous treatment of HLD in 190 patients. Material and Methods Percutaneous treatment of HLD between April 2005 and March 2015 was analyzed retrospectively. The demographic data, numbers and types of cysts, initial and final volumes of the cysts, types of percutaneous treatment, and procedure-related complications were determined. Results A total of 190 patients (95 male patients and 95 female patients; age range, 5-82 years) with 283 liver hydatid cysts who underwent percutaneous treatment were included in the study. Of the 283 cysts, 234 (83%) were cystic echinococcosis CE1, 31 (11%) were CE3a, and 18 (6%) were CE2 cysts, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification. The percutaneous procedure was successful in all patients. A total of 12 (6.3%) major complications, including anaphylaxis, allergic skin reaction, perihepatic hemorrhage, and cavity infection, were seen. No mortality was noted. Recurrence in one patient and an additional cyst in one patient were seen. All patients were asymptomatic during the follow-up period. Mean volume reduction was 77.5%, with a mean follow-up period of 18 months. Conclusion Percutaneous treatment is an effective and safe method for the treatment of HLD. It should be regarded as a first-line treatment method for uncomplicated hydatid cysts.

A comparison of imaging guided double percutaneous aspiration injection and surgery in the treatment of cystic echinococcosis of liver

OBJECTIVE

To compare the results and complications of treatment by double percutaneous aspiration injection (DPAI) in cystic echinococcosis (CE) of the liver with those of surgery. To the best of our knowledge, such a study has not been carried out till date.

METHODS

From November 2012 to November 2015, 43 patients were randomly allocated to DPAI group (n = 22) and surgery group (n = 21). After the intervention, patients were evaluated monthly for 3 months, then at the sixth month and 6 monthly thereafter.

RESULTS

Average hospital stay was 2.38 days in DPAI group and 8.23 days in the surgery group. Response to DPAI was categorized as successful in 95.3% (n = 20) patients and incomplete in 4.7% (n = 1) patients. Response to surgery was characterized as successful in 85.7% (n = 18) patients and incomplete in 4.7% (n = 1) patients, and recurrence was seen in 9.5% (n = 2) patients. Using a 10% margin for non-inferiority, treatment response in the DPAI group was non-inferior to that of the surgery group. In the DPAI group, 19 patients had no complications, minor complications were seen in 4.7% (n = 1) patients and a major complication was seen in 4.7% (n = 1) patients. In the surgery group, no complications were seen in 13 patients, major complications were seen in 28.57% (n = 6) patients and minor complications were seen in 9.5% (n = 2) patients.

CONCLUSION

Over a follow-up period of 3 years, DPAI is non-inferior to surgery in the treatment of CE of the liver, while there is a statistically significant difference in the hospital stay and occurrence of complications. Advances in knowledge: DPAI offers advantages such as a short hospital stay, minimal invasiveness and morbidity, while being non-inferior to surgery. Total Immunoglobulin G antibody titres have limited utility in follow-up of patients treated.

Effectiveness of puncture-aspiration-injection-reaspiration in the treatment of hepatic hydatid cysts

BACKGROUND

Hydatid disease of the liver is endemic in cattle rearing areas of the world. A variety of treatment options are available in its management. The common treatment options are medical therapy, surgery and puncture-aspiration-injection-reaspiration (PAIR) therapy.

OBJECTIVES

This study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of PAIR therapy in the treatment of hepatic hydatid disease.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This cross sectional study was carried out on 15 consecutive patients (Male: 2, Female: 13; Age group: 11-80 years) with hepatic hydatid disease and were treated by PAIR therapy and followed up for a period of 1 year. The cysts were punctured under local anesthesia with an 18G needle using sonographic guidance. Betadine (10% povidone iodine + 1% free iodine) was used as scolicidal agent and allowed to act for 30 min. Cysts larger than 5 cm (n = 5) were drained using an 8F pig tail catheter. The therapeutic response was studied by assessing the reduction in the cyst size, progressive solidification of the cyst, calcification of the wall and increase in the echogenicity of the cyst with pseudomass appearance on serial ultrasound examinations performed on the next day, after 1 month, at 3 months, 6 months and 1 year after the procedure.

RESULTS

Ten patients (66.7%) had Gharbi type I cysts, two (13.3%) had type II and three (20%) had type III cysts. All the patients (100%) showed reduction in cyst size over a 3-6 month period. Pseudomass appearance with solidification was seen in 73% of the patients and calcification was seen in 46.6%. None of the patients developed anaphylaxis, recurrence or peritoneal seedlings. Pain at the injection site was the most common complication observed.

CONCLUSION

PAIR therapy is an effective minimally invasive treatment for Gharbi type I-III hepatic hydatid cysts. It is a cost effective and safe procedure with significant reduction in the duration of hospital stay.

Hydatid cysts of the liver in children: percutaneous treatment with ultrasound follow-up

BACKGROUND

Hydatid disease is a serious public health problem in endemic areas. Percutaneous treatment is an effective alternative to surgical and medical therapy in hydatid liver disease (HLD).

OBJECTIVE

To present clinical and radiological results of percutaneous treatment of HLD in children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-five children (16 males; age range, 5-15 years; mean age, 9.6 years) with a total of 30 hydatid cysts of the liver underwent ultrasound US guided percutaneous treatment using hypertonic saline as the scolicidal agent.

RESULTS

The percutaneous procedure was successful in all patients. All children were asymptomatic at follow-up. A hypersensitivity reaction occurred in one child (4%) during the procedure. No other complications occurred. The reduction in cyst volume was 14-100% (mean, 64%) at follow-up (mean 13.8 months). On US at follow-up, the treated cysts were semisolid with a heterogeneous echo pattern (n = 17), solid hypoechoic (n = 10) or solid with calcification (n = 2). One treated cyst disappeared sonographically.

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous treatment of HLD is effective, safe and well-tolerated in children.

Sonographic spectrum of hydatid disease

Hydatid disease, caused by Echinococcus granulosus, is a parasitic disease that is endemic in many parts of the world. Hydatid cyst demonstrates a variety of imaging features, varying according to growth stage, associated complications, and affected tissue. The radiologic findings range from purely cystic lesions to a completely solid appearance. Ultrasound is the most important imaging modality for liver hydatid disease and clearly demonstrates the floating membranes, daughter cysts, and hydatid sand characteristically seen in purely cystic lesions. The radiologist's familiarity with the imaging findings of the disease is very important for earlier diagnosis and an appropriate treatment. There are several classification schemes for liver hydatid cysts based on their ultrasound appearances; the initial classification by Gharbi et al and the World Health Organization classification are the most commonly preferred. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging play a key role in recognizing the complications such as rupture and infection of cysts associated with hydatid disease. Today, percutaneous treatment of liver hydatid cysts, a safe, easily applicable, and well-tolerated method, has become the most effective and reliable treatment procedure in most cases if the hydatid cyst is viable. In patients treated with the percutaneous treatment technique, a decrease in the dimensions of the cyst, solidification of the cyst contents, and irregularity in the walls of cysts are signs suggestive of cure. The radiologist should also be familiar with the postoperative follow-up ultrasound findings of hydatid cyst to prevent misinterpretation of the hypoechoic, anechoic, or hyperechoic appearance of posttreatment hydatid disease appearance as recurrence.

Comparison of CT-guided sclerotherapy with using 95% ethanol and 20% hypertonic saline for managing simple renal cyst

OBJECTIVE

We wanted to compare the efficacies of 95% ethanol and 20% hypertonic saline (HS) sclerotherapies that were performed in a single session under CT guidance for the management of simple renal cysts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective series of 74 consecutive patients (average age: 57.6 +/- 8.1 years) with simple renal cysts were enrolled in this study. They were randomized into two groups and 95% ethanol or 20% HS, respectively, corresponding to 25% of the aspiration volume, was injected. Treatment success was determined six months later with follow-up clinical evaluation and performing ultrasonography.

RESULTS

The sclerotherapy was accepted as technically successful without major complications in all except two patients who were excluded because of a communication between the simple renal cyst and the pelvicalyceal collecting system. Thirty-six patients in the ethanol group received sclerotherapy with 95% ethanol and 36 patients in the HS group underwent sclerotherapy with 20% HS. The complete regression ratio of the ethanol group was significantly higher (94% versus 72%, respectively) than that of the HS group. There was one patient with partial regression in each group. The failure ratio of the ethanol group was significantly lower (3% versus 25%, respectively) than that of the HS group.

CONCLUSION

Ethanol sclerotherapy under CT guidance is a successful and safe procedure and it can be used for the treatment of simple renal cysts. Sclerotherapy with 95% ethanol is more effective than 20% HS sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy with HS may be an option for patients preferring to undergo a less painful treatment procedure.

Advances in liver echinococcosis: diagnosis and treatment

Echinococcosis or hydatid cyst disease is a zoonosis caused by the larval cestode Echinococcus granulosus. It consists of a parasitic tapeworm disease affecting mainly liver. Nevertheless, the disease might well spread to more unusual sites such as lungs and brain. The definitive diagnosis of liver echinococcosis requires a combination of imaging, serologic, and immunologic studies. Despite the fact that a number of scolecoidal agents have been developed against liver hydatid disease, the cornerstone of the definitive treatment remains surgery. Both the classic surgical techniques and the recently developed minimally invasive and laparoscopic methods target the eradication of the disease by simultaneously avoiding perioperative spillage and dissemination or recurrence of echinococcosis. The present article constitutes a review of the biology of the parasite as well as the epidemiology, diagnosis, and therapeutic options of the liver hydatid disease.