Effect of different pharmacologic and chemical agents on the integrity of hydatid cyst membranes.

OBJECTIVE: We performed an in vitro investigation of the effects of widely used scolicidal and sclerosing agents, as well as some pharmacologic products, on the integrity of the membrane of hydatid cysts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two milliliters each of 22 agents, 2 mL of clear fluid, and one piece of hydatid cyst membrane were put into bottles. The hydatid cyst membranes were evaluated by visual observation and manual palpation. Visual examination of the bottles was performed daily for 7 days, and observations of membrane changes, including translucency, destruction, swelling, and melting, were recorded. Manual evaluation was done on the seventh day by finger examination, and membrane fragility was scored. RESULTS: The hydatid cyst membrane was completely melted in a few minutes in a 2.5% solution of sodium hypochlorite and in 1 hr by a 0.1% sodium hypochlorite solution. The integrity of the hydatid cyst membrane was preserved in alcohol, acetone, glutaraldehyde, albendazole, acetylsalicylic acid, formaldehyde, lidocaine, hydrochloric acid, ammonia, pancreatin, Betadine, methylene blue, and isotonic saline samples. The membranes in the metronidazole and hypertonic saline solutions were not damaged but showed significantly increased fragility. The membranes in levamisole and piperazine hexahydrate became translucent and showed moderate fragility. CONCLUSION: None of the agents that are used in clinical practice had important effects on the dissolution of hydatid cyst membranes. However, sodium hypochlorite solutions completely melted the hydatid cyst membranes. Because the use of this agent on living tissue is limited, further study is needed to investigate its clinical use.