Misdiagnosis of a Patient with Hepatic Alveolar Echinococcosis with Hepatapostema: A Case Report

Huiyao  Wang; Qian  Xia; Xiaoling  Wang; Xuhui  Zhang; Yelei  Ren; Yifei  Wang; Yongzhong Li; Diming  Cai

doi:10.18502/ijpa.v18i4.14265

Huiyao Wang Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
Qian Xia Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
Xiaoling Wang Department of Operation Management, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
Xuhui Zhang Department of Medical Ultrasound, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
Yelei Ren Department of Medical Ultrasound, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
Yifei Wang Department of Medical Ultrasound, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
Yongzhong Li Department of Medical Ultrasound, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
Diming Cai Department of Medical Ultrasound, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijpa.v18i4.14265

Keywords: Alveolar echinococcosis; Misdiagnosis; Ultrasound; Case report

Abstract

Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is an important zoonotic tropical disease in China that affects people living in western endemic areas. The disease is prone to occur in the liver with a characteristic similar to slow-growing malignant tumors. We report a 31-year-old male patient with serious complication after hepatorrhaphy, who had presented with clinical manifestations of hepatapostema with infection. Ultrasound (US) and computer tomography (CT) are two important medical imaging modalities to diagnose hepatic AE. Based on the medical history, clinical findings, laboratorial and imaging results, the patient was misdiagnosed with hepatapostema. A series of subsequent treatments were ineffective. Finally, partial hepatectomy was performed, and postoperative pathological results confirmed hepatic AE. The patient has now recovered.