Hydatid disease: radiological and serological studies before and after surgery

ABSTRACT

The present study aimed to evaluate indirect haemagglutination test [IHAT] together with imaging modalities ultrasonography [US] and computed tomography [CT] in the diagnosis and postoperative follow up of hepatic hydatid disease. Sixteen patients of hepatic hydatidosis were enrolled in this study. Diagnosis was established by IHAT, US and CT. Cytological examination of hydatid fluid was performed post operatively. IHAT showed a sensitivity of 75%. Imaging techniques were 100% sensitive, they demonstrated solitary cysts in eleven patients and multiple cysts in four patients, mainly affecting the right lobe. In one patient showing a hepatic cyst, an extra hepatic one was encountered in the spleen. Radical surgical procedure in the form of pericystectomy was performed in all patients in conjunction with albendazole therapy pre and post operatively. After one year follow up, there was no evidence of recurrence, IHAT became negative in all except one patient. Complete resolution of the cyst cavities was recorded in 87.5% of the patients by US and CT. It was concluded that US and CT imaging are the most reliable modalities for diagnosis and for assessment of cure in hepatic hydatidosis, IHAT was less sensitive