Hydatid disease

B67.0-9

DESCRIPTION

Cysts of E. granulosus, acquired from ingestion of helminth ova passed out in dog faeces, particularly in sheep-farming areas. Cysts may occur in any organ, but are most commonly found in the liver and lungs.

Note: Definitive treatment with surgery or PAIR (percutaneous aspiration injection of helminthicidal agent and re-aspiration) is preferred for all accessible lesions.

With medical therapy as below, cure is achieved in about half, improvement in about a quarter and no response in about a quarter of cases.

MEDICINE TREATMENT

  • Albendazole, oral, 15 mg/kg/day up to maximum of 400 mg 12 hourly with a fatty meal (e.g. a glass of full cream milk).

LoEIII [20]

  • Duration is 3-6 months according to response on imaging for inoperable cysts or 14-28 days before and 28 days after PAIR surgery

LoEI [21]

  • Monitor liver functions tests and FBCs monthly.

REFERRAL

All cases to a centre with experience in surgery and PAIR.