Enhanced Resolution of Eosinophilic Liver Abscess Associated with Toxocariasis by Albendazole Treatment

Abstract

Background/Aims: Visceral larva migrans, caused by Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati, has emerged as a significant cause of eosinophilic liver abscess (ELA). Differentiation of ELA associated with toxocariasis (ELA-T) from metastasis or primary liver malignancy is sometimes difficult. However, the role of albendazole treatment remains uncertain in this condition. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether albendazole can enhance the radiologic resolution of ELA-T. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of the patients diagnosed with ELA-T at our institution between January 2008 and December 2011. ELA-T was diagnosed based on the imaging findings on computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging and the presence of positive serum IgG antibody for Toxocara canis. Among a total of 163 patients, 32 patients received albendazole (albendazole group) and 131 did not (control group). Baseline characteristics and fate of liver nodules were compared between the two groups. Results: Baseline characteristics (age, sex, number and maximal size of lesions, eosinophil count) were similar between the two groups. Median duration for achieving radiologic resolution in the albendazole group was significantly shorter than in the control group (207 days [range 186-228] vs. 302 days [range 224-380], p=0.023). In Cox regression analysis of the cumulative rates of radiologic resolution, the hazard ratio for albendazole treatment was 1.99 (95% confidence interval, 1.22-3.23). Conclusions: Radiologic resolution of ELA-T can be accelerated with albendazole treatment. Hence, inconvenience associated with long-term follow-up and unnecessary worries among patients can be eliminated with albendazole treatment. (Korean J Gastroenterol 2015;65:222-228)

Imaging of toxocariasis

“…US changes can last for 2 years or more. In rare cases, phlegmonous inflammation and abscess formation require biopsy and histological evaluation to exclude liver metastases and other inflammatory conditions including the "pseudo-inflammatory liver tumor" [60], which demonstrates abundant eosinophilic (granulomatous) infiltration and abscess formation.…”

“…Previous studies demonstrated radiologic resolution of eosinophilic liver abscess associated with toxocariasis can be accelerated with albendazole treatment. Hence, the inconvenience associated with long-term follow-up and unnecessary concerns from patients can be eliminated with albendazole treatment [60].…”

8. Đánh Giá Kết Quả Và Tính an Toàn Của Albendazol, Ivermectin Trên Bệnh Nhân Ấu Trùng Giun Đũa Chó Tại Bệnh Viện Đa Khoa Thống Nhất- Đồng Nai (2022 - 2023)

“…Các biểu hiện trên da là một trong những triệu chứng thường gặp ở bệnh giun đũa chó, mèo và trong một số trường hợp, những biểu hiện này là dấu hiệu duy nhất. Theo một số nghiên cứu tổn thương da trong toxocariasis thường gặp là ngứa, ban, mày đay mãn tính, phù mạch (angioedema), eczéma, tổ đỉa (dyshidrosis) đôi khi là viêm mạch (vasculitis), hội chứng Reiter, hội chứng Well, viêm nang lông tăng bạch cầu ái toan (eosinophilic folliculitis)[12]. Tỷ lệ mày đay mãn cao trong số các triệu chứng tổn thương da phù hợp với một số nghiên cứu khác.…”