Medical Treatment of Cystic Echinococcosis

Abstract

Medical treatment in cystic echinococcosis is limited; albendazole remains the gold treatment for patients with low hydatid cysts or those with inoperable echinococcosis. Due to uncommon side effects, administration may be continuous (cycles of 28 days with a break of 14 days between courses) as well as discontinuous over long periods of time. In recent years, there have been many concerns for the testing of various substances and drugs against Echinococcus granulosus, both in vitro and in vivo, on the animal model, but the results have not been satisfactory. New clinical trials are required, as well as the development of an effective vaccine to limit the spread of echinococcosis in endemic areas.

Cardiac hydatid disease with palpitations as the only presenting complaint: the egg in the nest

“…In some reports, an off-pump technique was used to remove superficially located cysts [ 17 ] . In inoperable cases, administration of albendazole can reduce the size of cysts and halt their development [ 18 ] .…”

“…In some reports, an off-pump technique was used to remove superficially located cysts [17] . In inoperable cases, administration of albendazole can reduce the size of cysts and halt their development [18] . Our patient demonstrated isolated cardiac involvement of hydatid disease manifested with palpitations only, with negative serology for antibodies.…”