CT Imaging Findings of Pulmonary Alveolar Echinococcosis

The value of nomogram analysis in predicting pulmonary metastasis in hepatic alveolar echinococcosis

Hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE) is a rare zoonotic parasitic disease that closely resembles malignant tumors in both behavior and appearance. It can cause infiltration of affected organs and chronic liver damage. In advanced stages, it may metastasize or invade surrounding organs, resembling liver cancer, and is clinically referred to as "parasitic cancer." However, the prognosis of HAE with pulmonary metastasis is poor, and no reliable method currently exists to predict lung metastasis. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of a nomogram model, based on CT and MRI imaging features in conjunction with clinical indicators, for predicting pulmonary metastasis in HAE. A retrospective analysis was conducted using imaging and clinical data from 297 patients diagnosed with HAE. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses identified independent factors associated with pulmonary metastasis, including lesion size, the presence of metastasis to other organs, cavitary lesions, and enhancement characteristics. The nomogram, developed using these variables, demonstrated strong predictive performance in both the training and validation cohorts. This model provides an effective tool for predicting the risk of pulmonary metastasis, offering early insights into disease progression and assisting clinicians in formulating personalized treatment and prognostic plans.

Pulmonary hydatid cyst emergence post laparoscopic ovarian drilling in a clear preoperative chest: A novel case report

Echinococcus granulosus is the parasite that causes hydatid disease. The liver is the most often affected organ, followed by the lungs and other organs. We present the case of a 24-year-old woman who had no notable medical history prior to the presentation of a persistent cough and mild chest discomfort 3 weeks after laparoscopic ovarian drilling surgery. There were upper lobe opacities on the right side of the chest X-ray. Serology was used to confirm the diagnosis of a hydatid cyst, with computed tomography (CT) providing additional supporting evidence. This case demonstrated that, especially in endemic areas, patients presenting with atypical respiratory symptoms should have rare infectious etiologies taken into consideration during the postoperative period. After the cyst was successfully surgically removed, the patient received albendazole for antiparasitic treatment. She experienced an uneventful recovery and exhibited no clinical symptoms at follow-up.