Cystic echinococcosis in the middle region of the Nile Delta, Egypt: Clinical and radiological characteristics

BackgroundCystic echinococcosis (CE) is a parasitic disease characterized by cystic lesions mainly in the liver. The diagnosis relies on clinical, laboratory, and radiological examination.AimTo explore the clinical, radiological, and biological features of patients with CE in the middle region of the Nile Delta, Egypt.Patients and methodsFrom March 2012 to February 2014, this study was conducted on 45 patients, aged 20–65 years. Patients were subjected to clinical, laboratory, and radiological assessment using conventional X-ray chest, ultrasound and multi-detector CT of the abdomen and chest.ResultsThis study identified the epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, and radiological characteristics of patients with CE in the middle Delta region, Egypt. The CT may display the same findings as US in diagnosing and staging of most cases; however, CT is more superior to US in the evaluation of heavily calcified cysts, small inaccessible cysts, and pulmonary hydatid cysts.ConclusionBiological markers seem neither sensitive nor specific, whereas the serological tests, preferably two different techniques, are useful. Ultrasound showed high accuracy rate, but CT, whenever possible, should be employed as it provides additional diagnostic value.