IMAGING DIAGNOSIS OF ALVEOLAR ECHINOCOCCOSIS IN YOUNG-PATIENTS

We review the imaging findings in seven children with alveolar echinoc occosis of the liver. Calcification was seen on plain abdominal films in five of seven patients (66.6%); the calcifications were small or co arse with irregular margins. Ultrasound was performed in four cases, i dentifying the lesions in all four as small calcifications with or wit hout cysts. Computed tomography (CT) was performed in four cases and s howed small calcifications, calcifications surrounding a cyst, or an a ggregate of calcifications. Angiography was performed in all seven pat ients and showed changes of intrahepatic arterial stretching, overgrow th of small arteries, and a honeycomb pattern in the capillary phase. Venography revealed compression of the inferior vena cava in two patie nts. Serum screening together with ultrasonography and CT are useful f or diagnostic imaging of alveolar echinococcosis.