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Echinococcosis natural history, complications and prognosis

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor-In-Chief: Mahshid Mir, M.D. [2] ; Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [3]; Kalsang Dolma, M.B.B.S.[4]

Overview

If left untreated, alveolar echinococcosis is progressive and can disseminate to other organs systems, eventually leading to various clinical syndromes that can lead to death. Complications that can develop as a result of echinococcosis are pulmonary embolism, focal cerebral disorders (seizures, hemiparesis, aphasia), obstructive jaundice, adrenal dysfunction. The prognosis of echinococcosis is good with treatment. Without treatment, echinococcosis is associated with a 10-year mortality of 90%.

Natural History

If left untreated, alveolar echinococcosis is progressive and can disseminate to other organs systems eventually leading to various clinical syndromes that can lead to death.

Complications

Complications that can develop as a result of echinococcosis are:[1][2][3]

Prognosis

The prognosis of echinococcosis is good with treatment. Without treatment, echinococcosis is associated with a 10-year mortality of 90%.

References

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