Introduction: Cystic and alveolar echinococcosis are two potentially life-threatening diseases caused by the helminthic parasites Echinococcus granulosus or Echinococcus multilocularis, respectively. In central Europe a marked increase in incidence of both forms of echinococcosis has recently been observed.
Objective: There is widespread uncertainty with diagnostic and treatment algorithms due to the close genetic relationship of both parasites and the similar presentation; however, since the treatment and prognosis significantly differ between the two diseases, a correct diagnosis is essential. This review summarizes the similarities and differences in the diagnostics and surgical treatment of these two parasites.
Results: The correct diagnosis is mainly based on patient history, radiological imaging and serological testing. In cystic echinococcosis cyst viability and stage determine whether treatment is medicinal, interventional, surgical or a watch and wait strategy. For alveolar echinococcosis surgical resection in combination with perioperative or adjuvant medicinal treatment is the gold standard and the only therapeutic option. As identification of the disease is often delayed due to the oligosymptomatic manifestation, complex resections are frequently necessary that need to be treated by a multidisciplinary team of experts.
Conclusion: Echinococcosis is still a neglected disease due to the rarity and thus should be referred to experts in a tertiary hospital to avoid mistreatment or overtreatment. Due to a timely surgical, infectiological and interventional treatment in an interdisciplinary work-up, the prognosis of echinococcosis has significantly improved in recent years.
Keywords: Alveolar echinococcosis; Cystic echinococcosis; Helminthic infection; Liver resection; Parasitosis.