COMPUTER-TOMOGRAPHY OF LIVER IN ALVEOLAR ECHINOCOCCOSIS TREATED WITH ALBENDAZOLE

Fourteen cases of alveolar echinococcosis were examined by computed to mographic (CT) scanning of the liver, including 3 cases before treatme nt and 11 cases 2.0-7.5 years after long-term continuous albendazole t herapy. In 7 cases the hepatic lesions were almost completely calcifie d and cured, while in 3 cases incomplete calcification of the peripher al margin of the hepatic lesions was observed. CT scanning of the one uncured case and the 3 cases before treatment showed active lesions wi th heterogeneous hypodense areas in the liver without calcification on the peripheral margin. Long-term continuous albendazole therapy can r esult in parasitological cure with death of the parasite.