Successful outcome of hepatic polycystic echinococcosis managed with surgery and chemotherapy

Echinococcus vogeli has been reported to cause human polycystic echinococcosis. A 43-year-old Brazilian woman was admitted to hospital complaining of mild epigastric discomfort. Computed tomography (CT) revealed multiple cystic lesions with calcified edges in several hepatic segments. At exploratory laparotomy, polycystic lesions were excised from the liver, omentum and peritoneum. No remaining cysts were observed on a post-surgery CT scan. The patient was asymptomatic when discharged on Day 19 post-operatively. She was prescribed albendazole therapy for 6 months. Follow-up CT performed 11 months later revealed no evidence of recurrence. Surgery combined with chemotherapy may improve the quality of life of patients with polycystic echinococcosis.