Hydatid Cyst of the Liver

• How it spreads+−

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  Parasite eggs from dog feces contaminate food, water, or hands and are swallowed. Larvae settle in the liver and form cysts.

  • Endemic regions
  • Dog contact / hygiene
  • Wash raw vegetables carefully
• Symptoms+−

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  Long silent periods are common. Growth brings right-upper pain, fullness, or pressure effects. Rupture can cause sudden pain, allergy/anaphylaxis, or biliary obstruction (jaundice).

• Diagnosis+−

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  Ultrasound, CT/MRI characterize the cyst (Gharbi / WHO typing). Serology supports but a negative test does not exclude disease. Separating simple cyst and abscess is critical.

• Treatment+−

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  By size, site, type, and complications: albendazole ± PAIR or surgery (pericystectomy / resection). Preventing spillage of cyst contents is essential. Lung and other organs are also screened.

• When PAIR is considered+−

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  Selected typical, suitably located cysts may undergo percutaneous aspiration–injection–reaspiration with albendazole cover. Suspected biliary communication, active infection, or certain cyst types make PAIR unsuitable — imaging and an experienced team decide.

• Aftercare and prevention+−

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  Albendazole is often part of the plan; serology and imaging watch for recurrence. Dog deworming and produce hygiene reduce new infection. Family screening may be considered in endemic contexts.

More chapters in this hub

• Liver Cysts

  Simple vs complex cysts — when observation is enough

• Liver Disease Diagnosis

  How clinicians confirm the problem and stage the next steps

• Liver Tumors

  Tumors — explained for shared decision-making

• Colorectal liver metastases

  When colon or rectal cancer has spread to the liver

• Liver Disease Treatment

  How treatment options are matched to risk, stage, and goals