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Alveolar echinococcosis is a serious parasitic disease caused by the Echinococcus multilocularis larva, primarily affecting the liver and presenting with tumor-like growths.
Although mainland Norway is generally free from this infection, it can occasionally be introduced from areas where the disease is more common.
The review covers the life cycle of the parasite, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options, including surgery and medication, and includes case studies of two patients affected by the disease.
Article Abstract
Alveolar echinococcosis is a much-feared parasitic zoonosis caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus multilocularis. Mainland Norway is free from infection, but alveolar echinococcosis is, on rare occasions, imported from endemic regions. Those infected develop slow-growing, multicystic tumours that are clinically and radiologically reminiscent of malignant disease. The disease mainly attacks the liver. Treatment often consists of extensive surgical resection in combination with prolonged use of albendazole. In this clinical review article we summarise the life cycle, clinical findings, diagnosis, treatment and epidemiology of alveolar echinococcosis, and provide examples of the disease course with two patient case reports.
