Rare Presentation of Hepatic Alveolar Echinococcosis Mimicking Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Overview

Journal BMJ Case Rep

Specialty General Medicine

Date 2024 Sep 6

PMID 39242125

Authors

Alvina Zanib

Ahmed Abdelaziz Ahmed

Antonella Salvia Milos

Syed Shabbar Musavi

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

A complex liver lesion presents a significant challenge in terms of diagnosis and management. This case is an illustrative example, highlighting the steps involved in managing such complex scenarios. This patient, in her early 20s, presented with a fever associated with worsening abdominal pain, as well as a background history of chronic abdominal pain, anorexia, vomiting, constipation and weight loss. The radiology revealed an irregular complex cyst in the liver with biliary and vascular invasion, raising concerns about hepatocellular carcinoma. The diagnosis was changed to after the infectious diseases consultant gave helpful advice, and antibodies were found. We subsequently started the patient on albendazole therapy. Following prudent advice from hepatobiliary surgeons and given the complexity of the hepatic lesion, a liver transplant was considered the best management option due to the extensive involvement of the biliary and venous systems. The combined approach of albendazole and a liver transplant marked a transformative phase for this patient, putting an end to her prolonged suffering.

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