
Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Echinococcosis history and symptoms
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Persons with echinococcosis often remain asymptomatic. The clinical presentation of echinococcosis infection depends upon the site of the cysts and their size. The cysts are mainly found in the liver and lungs but can also appear in the brain, eyes, spleen, kidneys, heart, bone, and central nervous system. Cyst rupture is most frequently caused by trauma and may cause mild to severe anaphylactic reactions, even death, as a result of the release of cystic fluid.[1]
History and Symptoms
History and Symptoms
Persons with echinococcosis often remain asymptomatic. The clinical presentation of echinococcosis infection depends upon the site of the cysts and their size. The cysts are mainly found in the liver and lungs but can also appear in the brain, eyes, spleen, kidneys, heart, bone, and central nervous system. Cyst rupture is most frequently caused by trauma and may cause mild to severe anaphylactic reactions, even death, as a result of the release of cystic fluid.
Common symptoms
Hepatic:
- No symptoms (if cysts are less than <10cms)
- Hepatomegaly
- Right upper quadrant pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Cysts can rupture into the biliary tree and produce biliary colic, obstructive jaundice, cholangitis, or pancreatitis
- Mass effects on the bile ducts, portal and hepatic veins, or on the inferior vena cava can result in cholestasis, portal hypertension, venous obstruction, or the Budd-Chiari syndrome
Pulmonary:
- Cough Â
- Chest pain Â
- DyspneaÂ
- Hemoptysis Â
Less common symptoms
Pulmonary:
- Malaise
- Nausea and vomiting
- Thoracic deformations
CNS:
Cardiac:
- Dyspnea
- Chest pain
Renal:
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Mahshid Mir, M.D. [2]Â ; Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [3]; Kalsang Dolma, M.B.B.S.[4]
