Abstract
Background/Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the outcome of asymptomatic liver hydatid
cysts in a cohort of 33 out of 59 carriers by evaluating clinical and ultrasonographic
(US) changes 10–12 years after initial diagnosis.
Methods: We compared US features and cyst size with the original descriptions from 1984–1986.
Patients were questioned about hydatid-related symptoms and signs.
Results: Thirty-three of the 59 carriers could be reevaluated, five (15.2%) of whom had undergone
surgery without presenting symptoms, while of 28 unoperated cases, 21 (75%) remained
asymptomatic. Of the unoperated cases evaluated by US, in 8/14 (57.1%) there were
no modifications in cyst size during the 10-12-year period, in five (35.7%) growth
was slight (<3 cm) and in one (7.1%) the cyst grew 4 cm. Mean cyst growth in all 14
cases was 0.7 cm.
Conclusions: Despite the limited number of cases, our results show that most asymptomatic liver
hydatid cases (75%) remain symptom-free for more than 10 years, regardless of cyst
size or type. We believe that such carriers are at low risk of developing complications,
so that it is difficult to establish specific rules for their therapy, if any. Longitudinal
follow-up of larger series of asymptomatic hepatic hydatidosis cases is essential
to gain a deeper insight into the natural history of such patients, and to draw up
comprehensive guidelines for treatment.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
August 13,
1998
Received in revised form:
August 7,
1998
Received:
April 27,
1998
Identification
Copyright
© 1999 Published by Elsevier Inc.
