Ultrasound-guided percutaneous sclerotherapy of hydatid liver cysts in children

To evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound (US) guided percutaneous sclerothera py in the pediatric population, 14 hydatid liver cysts (HLC) in eight male patients whose ages ranged between 6 and 16 years (mean 9.9 years) were tre ated. The maximum diameter was 110 mm. Albendazole was administered orally to all patients for 1 week before percutaneous treatment and for 3-6 months after the procedure to prevent dissemination of the disease. Cyst puncture was performed with 20 G Chiba needles using US guidance. More than one-hal f of the estimated cyst volume was aspirated, then 20% hypertonic saline (7 cysts) or sterile 96% alcohol (7 cysts) equivalent to one-third of the est imated cyst volume was injected into the cavity and left for 5-15 min. Fina lly, all the fluid in the cavity was reaspirated. Catheterization was not p erformed. Follow-up US examinations were performed every month during the f irst 6 months and every 3 months thereafter. The follow-up period ranged be tween 6 and 51 months (mean 15 months). No major complications were seen du ring or after the procedures. Two cysts in two patients completely disappea red. Volumes of the 11 cysts in five patients who were followed for 6-21 mo nths were markedly reduced (22%-64% of the initial volume) and thick septat ions and solid debris-like structures were seen within the cyst cavities. T here was no significant change in 1 cyst. US-guided percutaneous sclerother apy is thus a safe and effective treatment of HLC in children.