Echinococcosis of the Liver
Abstract
Echinococcosis is a parasitic infection that poses a potential health threat to military members and others who travel to endemic regions. While canines are the primary host of the Echinococcus tapeworm, sheep and humans serve as secondary or intermediate hosts. Human infestation begins following accidental ingestion of the Echinococcus ova via a contaminated food source. Following ingestion, the ova enter the blood stream or lymphatic system through the small bowel and eventually lodge in the parenchyma of the liver or lungs and then develop into cystic lesions that slowly increase in size over time. Imaging is helpful in identifying and characterizing the size, number and location of these lesions, thereby providing useful information for preoperative planning. Successful treatment usually involves a combination of surgical and medical therapy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA532342
Entities
People
- Douglas P. Beall
- Justin Q. Ly
- Les Roger Folio
- Timothy G. Sanders
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences