Copyright #ERS Journals Ltd 2003

Eur Respir J 2003; 21: 1069–1077 European Respiratory Journal

DOI: 10.1183/09031936.03.00108403 ISSN 0903-1936
Printed in UK – all rights reserved

SERIES 0UNUSUAL PULMONARY INFECTIONS0

Edited by M.A. Woodhead and A. Ortqvist
Number 5 in this Series

Pulmonary echinococcosis

R. Morar, C. Feldman

Pulmonary echinococcosis. R. Morar, C. Feldman. #ERS Journals Ltd 2003. Dept of Medicine, Division of Pulmonology,
ABSTRACT: Echinococcosis or hydatid disease is caused by larvae of the tapeworm Johannesburg Hospital and University of the
Echinococcus. Four species are recognised and the vast majority of infestations in Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
humans are caused by E. granulosus. E. granulosus causes cystic echinococcosis, which Correspondence: C. Feldman
has a worldwide distribution. Humans are exposed less frequently to E. multilocularis, Dept of Medicine
which causes alveolar echinococcosis. E. vogeli and E. oligarthrus are rare species and University of the Witwatersrand
cause polycystic echinococcosis. 7 York Road
In cystic echinococcosis, humans are an accidental host and are usually infected by Parktown, 2193
handling an infected dog. The liver and lungs are the most frequently involved organs. Johannesburg
Pulmonary disease appears to be more common in younger individuals. Although most South Africa
patients are asymptomatic, some may occasionally expectorate the contents of the cyst Fax: 27 114884675
or develop symptoms related to compression of the surrounding structures. Other E-mail: [email protected]
symptoms of hydatid disease can result from the release of antigenic material and Keywords: Cystic echinococcosis
secondary immunological reactions that develop from cyst rupture. The cysts are echinococcosis
characteristically seen as solitary or multiple circumscribed or oval masses on imaging. hydatid disease
Detection of antibody directed against specific echinococcal antigens is found in only pulmonary
approximately half of patients with pulmonary cysts. Surgical excision of the cyst is the
treatment of choice whenever feasible. Received: November 26 2002
Eur Respir J 2003; 21: 1069–1077. Accepted after revision: January 21 2003

1234
Echinococcosis or hydatid disease is caused by larvae, hosts and do not play a role in the biological cycle. The adult
which are the metacestode stage of the tapeworm Echino- worm inhabits the small intestine of the definitive host, is
coccus. Four species are recognised and belong to the family usually 2–7 mm long, is attached to the mucosa by a double
Taeniidae. The vast majority of infestations in humans are row of hooklets contained in its scolex and has at least three
caused by E. granulosus. E. granulosus causes cystic echino- proglottids, which contain numerous eggs. The eggs pass out
coccosis, the pastoral form, which has a worldwide distri- in the faeces of the dog and stick to the animal9s fur or to
bution and is concentrated in sheep-raising areas. Humans are grass. These eggs can survive for at least a year in the outside
exposed less frequently to E. multilocularis, which causes world, during which time they are widely dispersed. Flies help
alveolar echinococcosis, because E. multilocularis infestation to spread the eggs, as does the wind. The adult tapeworms
usually occurs in colder areas and is associated with animals do not make their hosts ill. Intermediate hosts ingest eggs
in wild ecosystems, especially foxes. E. vogeli and E. oligarthrus when grazing on contaminated ground and the embryos are
are rare species and cause polycystic echinococcosis. released after hatching in the small intestine. Embryos then
enter the portal circulation through the intestinal wall and
travel to visceral capillary beds, usually the liver or the lung,
where they develop into cystic metacestodes. The parasite
Cystic echinococcosis caused by Echinococcus granulosus then grows to form a cyst filled with fluid. The interior of a
(hydatidosis or hydatid disease) cyst is filled with protoscolices, each of which has the ability
to grow into an adult worm when ingested by a canine host.
Life cycle Cysts may contain hundreds or thousands of protoscolices
and this tremendous reproductive potential poses a problem
The different species of Echinococcus have different geogra- in the intermediate host (particularly in humans). Proto-
phical distributions and involve different hosts (table 1). scolices can develop into either secondary cysts, known as
The hydatid tapeworm (E. granulosus) requires two hosts to daughter cysts, or a mature worm. Daughter cysts occur in
complete its life cycle. Dogs (and other canines) are the the organs of the intermediate host, whereas mature worms
definitive host and a variety of species of warm-blooded are found in the definitive host if organs infected with
vertebrates (sheep, cattle, goats, horses, pigs, camels and protoscolices are ingested. Development into a mature worm
humans) are the intermediate host. Humans are accidental within the intestine of a definitive host occurs over a period of

Previous articles in this series: No. 1: Tärnvik A, Berglund L. Tularaemia. Eur Respir J 2003; 21: 361–373. No. 2: Mabeza GF, Macfarlane J.
Pulmonary actinomycosis. Eur Respir J 2003; 21: 545–551. No. 3: Marrie TJ. Coxiella burnetii pneumonia. Eur Respir J 2003; 21: 713–719. No. 4:
Mohsen AH, McKendrick M. Varicella pneumonia in adults. Eur Respir J 2003; 21: 886–891.
1070 R. MORAR, C. FELDMAN

Table 1. – Epidemiological features and host characteristics of Echinococcus

Geographical Frequency and severity Definitive host Intermediate host
distribution of human infection

E. granulosus Worldwide Majority of human Primarily dogs, other canines Sheep, cattle, horses,
infection caused by pigs, camels
this strain, also the
most pathogenic
E. multilocularis Northern Hemisphere Restricted animal Primarily foxes, Rodents, deer, moose,
(Central Europe, Russia, hosts limit human wolves, dogs, coyotes, cats reindeer, bison
western China, northern infection but severe
Japan, North America, infections can occur
North Africa)
E. vogeli Central and South America Disease intermediate Wild canines (bush dogs) Rodents, pacas
in severity between
E. granulosus and
E. multilocularis
E. oligarthrus Central and South Only few reported cases Wild felids (pumas, jaguars) Rodents, rabbits
America

4–7 weeks and completes the life cycle. Since two mammalian Metacestodes have developed highly effective mechanisms for
species are required for completion of the life cycle, direct evading host defences. The membranes and host capsule
transmission of echinococcosis from human to human does contribute to protecting the parasite from immune destruc-
not occur. The life cycle is completed when carnivores ingest tion [7]. Parasite-derived anticomplement factor may dampen
the cysts in the viscera of intermediate hosts. Each larval host immune response [1]. T-helper cell type 1 activation is
tapeworm can then develop into an adult tapeworm, which crucial for protective immunity, whereas the T-helper cell type
eventually produces new eggs and thereby continues the cycle. 2 response is associated with susceptibility to progressive
Humans may serve as intermediate hosts, being infected by disease [8].
contact with infected dogs or by ingestion of eggs from
contaminated food, water or soil. The eggs can also be
inhaled, causing primary lung disease [1–4]. Organ involvement

Following ingestion of E. granulosus eggs, the metacestode

Epidemiology cyst can be found in virtually any organ (primary echino-
coccosis). Secondary echinococcosis results from the spread
Cystic echinococcosis is seen worldwide. Considerable of the metacestodes from the primary sites. Of patients with
public health problems are encountered in endemic areas, cystic echinococcus, 85–90% show single organ involvement
such as South and Central America, the Middle East, sub- and w70% harbour a solitary cyst. The liver is the most
Saharan Africa, Russia, China, Australia and New Zealand. common site of cyst formation, followed by the lung in
Most cases in the USA and Central Europe occur in 10–30% of cases and other sites (usually the spleen, kidney,
immigrants from endemic areas [3].

Table 2. – Cyst characteristics of the various Echinococcus

Parasite biology species
Nature of larval Cyst components
The fully developed cysts are composed of three layers. The form in humans
outer layer, or pericyst, is composed of inflamed fibrous tissue
derived from the host; the exocyst is an acellular laminated E. granulosus Cystic, Metacestode has
membrane; and the innermost layer, or endocyst, is the unilocular, endocyst (internal
germinative layer of the parasite and gives rise to brood expansile germinal layer),
capsules (secondary cysts), which bud internally [5]. Proto- exocyst (parasite-
scolices are produced within the brood capsules and take derived acellular
approximately a year to develop after infection. An intact laminated layer)
cyst, if large, may be filled with litres of fluid. The fluid, which and pericyst (host-
is antigenic and may contain debris, contains hooklets and derived adventitial
scolices and is referred to as hydatid sand. It has characteristic layer)
radiographic and sonographic features [6]. Daughter cysts E. multilocularis Multilocular, Very thin laminated
may develop directly from the endocyst, resulting in multi- infiltrative layer only and no
cystic structures (table 2). pericyst, which
enables tissue invasion
E. vogeli Polycystic, Large cysts with
Immunity E. oligarthrus expansile multiple vesicles are
separated by septa
lined with germinal
In humans, protection following primary infection is medi- epithelium; externally,
ated by humoral and cellular immunity. Immune responses cyst is surrounded
initially occur against the oncosphere that penetrates the small by fibrous tissue
intestinal mucosa and subsequently against the metacestode.
 PULMONARY ECHINOCOCCOSIS 1071

orbit, heart, brain and bone) in y10% of cases [1–4]. In Involvement of the diaphragm and thoracic cavity occurs in
children, the lungs may be the commonest site of cyst y1–16% of cases of hepatic hydatid disease [10]. Transdiaph-
formation [9]. Of patients with lung cysts, y20–40% also have ragmatic migration of hydatid disease from the posterior
liver cysts [10, 11]. Pulmonary hydatid disease affects the right segments of the right hepatic lobe has been reported to be
lung in y60% of cases, 30% exhibit multiple pulmonary cysts, a common complication and is probably related to their
20% bilateral cysts and 60% are located in the lower lobes [9]. proximity to the diaphragm.
Pulmonary echinococcosis can follow intrathoracic rupture of
a cyst of the liver [12], but most patients with pulmonary
hydatid disease do not show liver involvement [13]. Within the Diagnosis
chest, echinococcosis can primarily involve the pleural cavity
[14], mediastinum [15] and chest wall [16]. In the majority of cases, a combination of imaging and
serological methods usually yields the diagnosis of cystic
echinococcosis. A patient who has lung cysts should be
Clinical features investigated for associated liver cysts.

Although larvae can enter the lungs through the lymphatic Imaging. The most valuable diagnostic method in pulmonary
system or bronchial system, it is thought that cysts settling hydatid disease is the plain chest radiograph [11, 27–31].
down in the lungs are usually larvae that have passed through Typical chest radiographic appearances of uncomplicated
the hepatic sinusoids [1, 3]. Pulmonary cysts typically increase pulmonary hydatid disease are one or more homogeneous
in diameter at a rate of 1–5 cm?yr-1 [17]. round or oval masses with smooth borders surrounded by
The initial phase of primary infection is asymptomatic and normal lung tissue (fig. 1) [31]. Pulmonary cysts may range
may remain so for many years. Hydatid disease is seen in between 1 and 20 cm in diameter [32]. Large cysts can shift the
subjects of any age and sex, although it is more common in mediastinum, induce a pleural reaction or cause atelectasis
those aged 20–40 yrs [11, 18]. Most intact lung cysts are of adjacent parenchyma. Impingement on relatively rigid
discovered incidentally on chest radiographs. Occasionally, anatomical structures can lead to irregularity, indentation or
an unruptured cyst results in cough, haemoptysis or chest lobulation of the cyst. The fluid contents of the cyst may be
pain [13]. Subsequent clinical features of E. granulosus identified by the finding of a change in the shape of the cyst on
infection depend upon the cyst site and size. Small cysts serial radiographs obtained during inspiration and expiration
may remain asymptomatic indefinitely, but cysts may enlarge or with the patient erect and then supine. Calcification of
to w20 cm in diameter and cause symptoms by compressing pulmonary cysts is rare. On chest radiography, calcification of
adjacent structures. Mediastinal cysts may erode into adjacent hepatic cysts may be evident [31].
structures causing bone pain, haemorrhage or airflow limita- Cyst growth produces erosions in the bronchioles that are
tion. Symptomatic hydatid disease of the lung, however, more included in the pericyst, and, as a result, air is introduced
often follows rupture of the cyst. The cyst may rupture between the pericyst and exocyst, producing the crescent or
spontaneously or as a result of trauma or secondary infection. meniscus sign [31, 32]. Some consider this to be a sign of
In a contained rupture, only the endocyst is torn and the impending rupture [31]. Air penetrating the interior of the cyst
contents of the cyst are contained by the pericyst. In a may outline the inner surface of the exocyst, producing
communicating rupture, the contents of the cyst escape into parallel arches of air that are referred to as Cumbo9s sign with
the tracheobronchial tree through bronchioles that have been an "onion peel" appearance [32]. Although these radiographic
incorporated into the pericyst. Direct rupture into the pleura features can be diagnostic of pulmonary hydatid disease, they
follows tearing of both the endocyst and the pericyst, with are uncommon [31]. If the ruptured cyst communicates with
discharge of the contents of the cyst directly into the pleural the tracheobronchial tree, evacuation of the contents of the
cavity [19]. Rupture may be associated with the sudden onset cyst results in an air/fluid level. After partial expectoration of
of cough and fever. If the contents of the cyst are expelled into the cyst fluid and scolices, the cyst empties and the collapsed
the airway, expectoration of a clear salty or peppery tasting membranes can be seen inside the cyst (serpent sign). When it
fluid containing fragments of hydatid membrane and scolices has completely collapsed, the crumpled endocyst floats freely
may occur. in the cyst fluid (water-lily sign or Camelotte sign). When the
Symptoms of hydatid disease can result from the release fluid is completely evacuated by expectoration, the remaining
of antigenic material and secondary immunological reactions solid components fall to the dependent part of the cavity
that develop following cyst rupture. Fever and acute hyper- giving the "mass within a cavity" or Monod9s sign. Like the
sensitivity reactions ranging from urticaria and wheezing to crescent sign, the water-lily sign, which is pathognomonic of a
life-threatening anaphylaxis may be the principal manifesta- collapsed endocyst, is seen in the minority of cases. For
tions. Although allergic episodes may develop after cyst rupture, pulmonary ecchinococcosis, ultrasonography is unhelpful in
fatal anaphylaxis is uncommon [20, 21]. most cases unless the cysts are close to the pleural surface
Other potential clinical effects of hydatid infection include (fig. 2) [31, 32].
immune complex-mediated disease, glomerulonephritis lead- Computerised tomography (CT) scan with contrast may
ing to nephrotic syndrome, and secondary amyloidosis [22, demonstrate a thin enhancing rim if the cyst is intact (fig. 3).
23]. Ruptured cysts may become infected with bacteria or The contents of closed simple cysts are homogeneous, with a
saprophytic or invasive fungi, which are serious complications density close to that of water [33]. Unruptured cysts are often
[24, 25]. indistinguishable from a variety of other pulmonary lesions,
Hydatid disease is a rare cause of recurrent acute pulmo- but the diagnosis may be established by finding daughter cysts
nary embolism. This complication may develop after invasion attached to the endocyst or lying free within the main cyst or
of the cardiovascular system or direct invasion of the inferior rupture of the main cyst. CT scanning can elucidate the cystic
vena cava [26]. nature of the lung mass and provide accurate localisation for
Calcification, which usually requires 5–10 yrs for develop- planning of surgical treatment of complicated cysts. The
ment, occurs quite commonly with hepatic cysts but rarely inverse crescent sign results from air dissection-induced
with pulmonary cysts. Bone cysts also do not undergo separation of the membranes from the posterior aspect of
calcification. Total calcification of the cyst wall suggests the cyst without any anterior extension and bleb of air
that the cyst may be nonviable [3, 27]. dissecting into the wall of the cyst, giving it the shape of a ring
1072 R. MORAR, C. FELDMAN

a) a)

b)

b)

Fig. 2. – a) Posteroanterior and b) lateral chest radiography showing a

hydropneumothorax in a patient with ruptured cystic hydatidosis
with discharge of contents into the pleural space.
Fig. 1. – a) Posteroanterior and b) lateral chest radiography showing
well-defined rounded opacities in the right lung of a patient with Immunoscintigraphy utilises radiolabelled antibodies raised
unruptured cystic echinococcosis. to parasite antigens. Although not yet widely available clini-
cally, this may be a specific imaging modality in the future
termed the signet ring sign. In addition, an increase in the CT [36].
density of the lung mass and/or a thick wall should not negate
a diagnosis of hydatid disease [34]. Laboratory and special investigations
The magnetic resonance signal characteristics of a hydatid
cyst may differ depending on the developmental phase, i.e. Laboratory. In pulmonary cystic echinococcosis, routine
whether it is uni- or multilocular and whether the cyst is laboratory tests do not show specific results. Less than 15%
viable, infected or dead. Information regarding reactive changes of cases exhibit eosinophilia, which generally occurs only if
in the host tissue, capsule and signal intensity of parent and there is leakage of antigenic material [11, 37].
daughter cysts is also obtained. On magnetic resonance imag-
ing (MRI), cysts show low signal intensity on T1-weighted Serology. Immunodiagnostic testing for serum antibodies or
images and high signal intensity on T2-weighted images [35]. circulating antigen provides supportive evidence of pulmonary
 PULMONARY ECHINOCOCCOSIS 1073

Management

Surgical treatment. For patients who are able to undergo

surgery, it is considered the treatment of choice since the
parasite can be completely removed and the patient cured. The
surgical options for lung cysts include lobectomy, wedge
resection, pericystectomy, intact endocystectomy and capiton-
nage [48]. During surgery it is important to rigorously minimise
spillage of cyst contents in order to prevent intraoperative
dissemination and eventual recurrence. This may be accom-
plished by the delivery of intact cyst or by cystic fluid aspiration
with or without the use of a scolicidal solution and preopera-
tive therapy with albendazole [49].
Puncture, aspiration or injection of a helminthicide and
reaspiration has been advocated for hepatic cysts. However,
for pulmonary cysts, this technique shows more complica-
tions and is rarely indicated [50, 51].
Scolicidal agents such as hypertonic saline, cetrimide,
Fig. 3. – Computerised tomography scan of the lung showing a cystic povidone-iodine, formalin, ethanol or hydrogen peroxide
mass measuring 365 cm in the right lower lobe of a patient with may be used. If a protoscolicidal agent is used, it must remain
cystic hydatidosis. in contact with the cyst for o15 min. Most surgeons use 1%
formaldehyde or hypertonic saline solution for deactivation
echinococcosis. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or of cysts and protection of the operative field [52].
indirect haemagglutination test is commonly used as an initial Bilateral hydatid disease of the lungs may be managed by
screen, and is positive in onlyy50% of patients with pulmonary one- or two-stage surgery via either bilateral thoracotomy,
hydatidosis and w90% of patients with hepatic cysts [38]. sternotomy or video-assisted thoracic surgery. Some prefer
Testing for specific antibodies, such as specific immuno- two-stage thoracotomy, operating on the side with the larger
globulin G1 or G4 rather than total immunoglobulin G, may ruptured and infected cyst first. However, median sternotomy
improve the specificity of a test [39, 40]. The specificity of these is a better alternative for the treatment of bilateral hydatid
tests increases considerably when utilising antigen 5 (arc 5 test), disease of the lung. This method is more economical, causes
immunoblotting or gel diffusion assay for specific hydatid less pain and is better tolerated than two thoracotomic
antigen. Antigen 5 is a major parasite antigen found on the procedures [38, 49, 53–55].
inner aspect of the germinal layer, brood capsule and proto- Abdominal liver cysts may be treated during the same
scolices. Antigen B, located on the protoscolices, and particularly operation or separately. The lung is generally treated first
its smallest subunit of 8 kDa, offers greater specificity than [55]. Surgery is indicated in most cases of pulmonary cystic
does detection of antigen 5 [41, 42]. echinococcosis as operative mortality is low (1–2%), morbidity
Serological testing produces both many false-positive and rates are acceptable and the recurrence rate is low (1–3%)
many false-negative results. False-positive reactions are more [11, 14, 37, 48, 56, 57].
likely in the presence of other helminthic infections (particu-
larly neurocysticercosis), cancer and immune disorders. False-
negative results occur with varying frequency depending upon Medical treatment. Medical therapy with benzimidazoles is
the site of the lesion and cyst integrity and viability. A valuable in disseminated disease, including secondary lung or
negative serological test generally does not rule out echino- pleural hydatidosis, poor surgical risk patients and when there
coccosis [43]. Serology is less likely to be positive if the cysts at is intraoperative spillage of hydatid fluid (table 3) [49].
any site are intact, calcified or nonviable, and children and Adjunctive chemotherapy before and after surgery appears
pregnant subjects more frequently exhibit negative serology to reduce the risk of recurrence by inactivating protoscolices
[3, 27, 43]. and reduces the tension of the cysts for easier cyst removal
Currently, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques are [58, 59]. If spillage of the cyst contents occurs, either spontan-
only being used for research purposes, but they may have a eously or following iatrogenic manipulation, it is recommended
role to play in diagnosis and species determination in the that either mebendazole or albendazole be given to reduce the
future. Deoxyribonucleic acid probes using Southern hybri- risk of secondary hydatidosis. However, the optimal duration
disation tests are also being developed [44]. of chemotherapy before and after surgical procedures is not
known. Therapy generally should begin o4 days prior to
surgery and be continued for 1–3 months [46, 49, 60].
Percutaneous aspiration. Inadvertent percutaneous aspiration The usual dose of mebendazole is 40–50 mg?kg body
can confirm the diagnosis by demonstrating the presence of weight-1?day-1, given in three divided doses after meals
protoscolices, hooklets or hydatid membranes. Active cysts (maximum daily dose 6 g). Therapy is usually indicated for
exhibit clear watery fluid containing scolices and show elevated o3–6 months. Albendazole is given at a dosage of 10–
pressure, whereas inactive cysts exhibit cloudy fluid without 15 mg?kg body weight-1?day-1 in two divided doses and the
detectable scolices and do not show elevated pressure [45]. usual dose is 800 mg daily. Therapy is most often indicated
Owing to the possibility of cyst rupture, anaphylaxis and for a minimum of 3–6 months. Albendazole is preferred
dissemination of cyst contents, percutaneous aspiration of lung because it has better bioavailability [61].
cysts has been considered too risky for routine diagnostic use, Both drugs are also contraindicated in pregnancy (especially
although this procedure is now commonly used for the during the first trimester) because of possible teratogenicity.
diagnosis and treatment of hepatic echinococcal cysts [4]. Medical treatment alone has been suggested by some to be
Several reports of this approach have shown it to be successful sufficient for small pulmonary hydatid cysts [62, 63]. A newer
in patients with pulmonary hydatid disease [46, 47]. benzimidazole compound, oxfendazole, has been studied in a
Protoscolices or degenerated hooklets can sometimes be mouse model and preliminary results suggest it may be a more
demonstrated in sputum, bronchial washings or pleural fluid. effective compound [64].
1074 R. MORAR, C. FELDMAN

Table 3. – Drugs used in the treatment of echinococcosis

Oral dosage Duration Maximum dose

Mebendazole 40–50 mg?kg body weight-1?day-1 3–6 months for E. granulosus 6 g?day-1
three times daily
Albendazole# 10–15 mg?kg body weight-1?day-1 3–6 months for E. granulosus and Usually 800 mg?day-1
twice daily prolonged or lifelong for E. multilocularis
Praziquantel} 40 mg?kg body weight-1 Uncertain NA
once weekly

E.: Echinococcus; NA: not available. #: preferred because it exhibits better bioavailability than mebendazole; }: can combine with albendazole.

Praziquantel, an isoquinolone, has also been used for is not known but is significantly less common than disease due
therapy. It has been shown to have effective protoscolicidal to E. granulosus [1–4].
activity and may be more effective than albendazole in vitro.
Praziquantel (40 mg?kg body weight-1 orally once a week)
has been used alone and in combination with albendazole. A Epidemiology
few reports suggest that the combination of albendazole and
praziquantel as medical therapy or as postspillage prophylaxis E. multilocularis occurs almost exclusively in the Northern
is more effective than either therapy alone [38, 65, 66]. The Hemisphere, particularly in parts of Central Europe, Russia,
efficacy of praziquantel is variable and its role in primary western China, northern Japan, North America (in subarctic
chemotherapy is not clearly defined. regions of Alaska and Canada) and North Africa [1–3].
E. multilocularis causes alveolar echinococcosis, which accounts
for v5% of all cases of hydatid liver disease and, less
Monitoring response to therapy frequently, lung disease [3, 38].
Evaluating the success of therapy is difficult and usually
requires regular follow-up and imaging. The use of serological Parasite biology
titres to monitor therapy has also been assessed [67].
Serological tests showed an increase in titre in the majority
The cysts of E. multilocularis are typically slow growing,
of patients for the first 3 months after surgery, probably a
with an estimated incubation period of 5–15 yrs. Exogenous
result of antigen liberation during cyst manipulation.
budding and proliferation of the cyst, which lacks a limiting
Serological tests showed decreasing antibody titres from 3
membrane of parasite or host origin, causes infiltration into
months after surgery in patients without relapse. Patients
adjacent tissues and results in pressure necrosis of surround-
who relapse show either persistently high (early relapse) or an
ing host tissue. The lesions are composed of numerous
initial decrease and subsequent increase (late relapse) in
irregular cysts of various sizes (a few millimetres to a few
antibody titres [67]. No serological test has consistently
centimetres), with no sharp demarcation from surrounding
proved reliable in monitoring patients on chemotherapy for
organ tissue [1–3].
hydatid disease. There are no formal recommendations on
Microscopically, the cysts are composed of a thin laminated
how patients are best monitored whether by imaging or
layer with minimal or no germinal layer. Brood capsules and
serology, and this needs to be individualised.
protoscolices form in v10% of these cysts, which, instead,
reproduce by asexual lateral budding. Spontaneous death of
Prevention metacestodes and degeneration of lesions may occur [71].

Prevention of cystic echinococcosis can often be achieved

by avoiding close contact with dogs. Careful washing of fresh Immunity
produce can also reduce infection. Prohibition of home-
slaughter of sheep and proper offal disposal prevents dogs Both humoral and cellular immunity are activated by this
from consuming infected viscera, thus disrupting the life cycle parasite. The role of antibodies in controlling metacestode
of the parasite. Elimination of stray dogs and surveillance proliferation has not been proved. T-lymphocyte responses
techniques, involving either diagnostic purging of dogs or may be more important in controlling infection [3, 72].
coproantigen tests, have helped to reduce infections in some Certain human leukocyte antigens have been implicated in
endemic areas [68]. Vaccination is also a prospect for preven- protection or susceptibility to infection [73].
tion of echinococcosis, since protective immunity develops in
intermediate hosts [68–70].
Clinical features and organ involvement
Alveolar echinococcosis caused by Echinococcus E. multilocularis can cause a severe and often fatal infection
multilocularis (alveolar hydatid disease) in humans. The mean age at presentation is 55 yrs [3]. The
metacestode tissue behaves similarly to a malignant tumour,
Life cycle which invades and destroys tissue, extends beyond organ
borders into adjacent structures, and metastasises to distant
The life cycle involves wild canine, usually foxes and sites, such as the lung, brain and other organs. The liver is the
wolves, as definitive hosts and rodents, deer, moose, reindeer primary site of cyst development in almost all patients. If left
and bison as intermediate hosts. Domestic dogs or cats may untreated, w90% of patients will die within 10 yrs from onset
also become infected and can transmit the infection to of symptoms, and virtually 100% by 15 yrs [3, 74, 75].
humans directly or contaminate food with parasite eggs. Lung manifestations always occur after hepatic involve-
The exact incidence of human infection with E. multilocularis ment. Transdiaphragmatic contiguous migration of hepatic
 PULMONARY ECHINOCOCCOSIS 1075

lesions is common and intrathoracic rupture of hepatic cysts Praziquantel has also been used for alveolar echinococcosis
into the bronchial tree, pleural cavity or mediastinum may but data from animal models are disappointing.
occur. Hepatic lesions may invade the inferior vena cava and Liver transplantation is an option for therapy in patients
hepatic veins with metastases to the right atrium with with unresectable liver lesions. However, residual parasite
parasitic pulmonary emboli which is rapidly fatal [3]. tissue may be prone to more rapid growth because of immuno-
suppression and post-transplant adjuvant chemotherapy with
a benzimidazole is advised [88].
Diagnosis

The combination of imaging and serology usually enables Echinococcus vogeli

diagnosis of both cystic and alveolar echinococcosis, although
the latter is more sensitive and specific for E. multilocularis E. vogeli causes polycystic hydatid disease. Dogs and other
infection. canine serve as the definitive hosts, and pacas and other
rodents are the principal intermediate hosts. E. vogeli occurs
in central and northern South America. The clinical disease is
Imaging intermediate in severity between cystic and alveolar infections
[89]. The liver is involved in the majority of cases and the
Liver lesions on ultrasonographic or CT scan usually have lungs are involved in y15% [1–3]. Serological tests are unable
an irregular contour without a well-defined wall, central to differentiate E. vogeli from other echinococcal species.
necrosis, and irregular intralesional and wall calcifications. Treatment for E. vogeli has not been well studied.
They may be difficult to distinguish from a tumour, but the
patient9s overall condition is generally better than would be
expected with a malignancy. Obstruction of the inferior vena Echinococcus oligarthrus
cava or the portal venous system may be evident and may be
more easily appreciated on MRI scan. Lung, brain and bone E. oligarthrus also causes polycystic echinococcosis. The
lesions may also be detected in a similar manner [76]. parasite uses wild felids, such as pumas and jaguars, as
definitive hosts; intermediate hosts include rodents and
rabbits [1–3]. Only three cases of E. oligarthrus infection
Serology have been documented in South America [89–91]. Metaces-
todes in animals tend to localise in muscles or other
extrahepatic sites, such as the eye and the heart, and the
Specific E. multilocularis antigens, such as Em2 and Em18,
liver is involved less frequently. Little is known about optimal
are often used in the serodiagnosis of alveolar echinococcosis.
treatment.
These antigens can discriminate between E. granulosus and
E. multilocularis in 95–97% of cases [77–80].
Open biopsy may be required in seronegative patients.
In the future, PCR may allow earlier detection of infection Conclusion
[81–83].
Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography may Surgery remains the primary choice of treatment in cystic
allow distinction between metabolically active lesions and pulmonary echinococcosis. In inoperable alveolar echinococ-
nonenhancing metabolically inactive lesions [84]. This is a cosis, long-term chemotherapy is advocated. The ultimate aim
useful tool for assessing response to therapy and detecting is to have proper control measures and prevent these cestode
relapses; however, it is expensive and not widely available. infestations. A better understanding of hydatid immuno-
regulation may pave the way to rational immunotherapy and
future vaccine development.
Treatment

The treatment for alveolar echinococcosis generally is less References

effective than that for the cystic form as there are delays in
diagnosis and the invasiveness of the metacestode renders 1. Schantz P. Echinococcosis. In: Guerrant R, Walker DH,
many patients inoperable. Screening high-risk populations to Weller PF, eds. Tropical Infectious Diseases: Principles,
Pathogens and Practice. Philadelphia, WB Saunders, 1999;
detect disease may improve the prognosis earlier.
pp. 1005–1025.
2. King CH. Cestodes (tapeworms). In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE,
Surgical. The treatment in operable cases is radical surgical Dolin R, eds. Principles and Practice of Infectious
resection of the entire lesion, followed by chemotherapy. Diseases. New York, Churchill Livingstone, 1995; pp. 2544–
Surgery often involves extensive resection of host tissue with 2553.
complete excision of larval tissue. Even following extensive 3. Ammann RW, Eckert J. Cestodes. Echinococcus. Gastro-
surgery, a minimum of 2 yrs of chemotherapy is recommended enterol Clin North Am 1996; 25: 655–689.
and monitoring for possible recurrence for a minimum of 4. Kammerer WS, Schantz PM. Echinococcal disease. Infect
10 yrs is advised [85]. Dis Clin North Am 1993; 7: 605–618.
5. Noble ER, Noble GA, Schad GA, MacInnes AJ, eds.
Parasitology: the Biology of Animal Parasites. Philadelphia,
Medical. For patients with unresectable or incompletely resected Lea & Febiger, 1989; pp. 211–249.
lesions, long-term chemotherapy is recommended. Albendazole 6. Suwan Z. Sonographic findings in hydatid disease of the
(10–15 mg?kg body weight-1?day-1 orally in two divided doses, liver: comparison with other imaging methods. Ann Trop
usually 800 mg daily) is used. Medical therapy can improve the Med Parasitol 1995; 89: 261–269.
quality and length of survival, even when not curative [86, 87]. 7. Taratuto AL, Venturiello SM. Echinococcosis. Brain Pathol
The optimal duration of therapy and whether or not prolonged or 1997; 7: 673–679.
lifelong therapy is indicated remain unclear. 8. Rigano R, Profumo E, Ioppolo S, Notargiacomo S, Teggi A,
1076 R. MORAR, C. FELDMAN

Siracusano A. Immunological markers indicating the effec- 33. Saksouk FA, Fahl MH, Rizk GK. Computed tomography of
tiveness of pharmacological treatment in human hydatid pulmonary hydatid disease. J Comput Assist Tomogr 1986;
disease. Clin Exp Immunol 1995; 102: 281–285. 10: 226–232.
9. Thumler J, Munoz A. Pulmonary and hepatic echinococcosis 34. Koul PA, Koul AN, Wahid A, Mir FA. CT in pulmonary
in children. Pediatr Radiol 1978; 7: 164–171. hydatid disease: unusual appearances. Chest 2000; 118: 1645–
10. Gomez R, Moreno E, Loinaz C, et al. Diaphragmatic or 1647.
transdiaphragmatic thoracic involvement in hepatic hydatid 35. Singh S, Gibikote SV. Magnetic resonance imaging signal
disease: surgical trends and classification. World J Surg 1995; characteristics in hydatid cysts. Australas Radiol 2001; 45:
19: 714–719. 128–133.
11. Dogan R, Yuksel M, Cetin G, et al. Surgical treatment of 36. Dhar P, Chaudhary A, Desai R, Agarwal A, Sachdev A.
hydatid cysts of the lung: report on 1055 patients. Thorax Current trends in the diagnosis and management of cystic
1989; 44: 192–199. hydatid disease of the liver. J Commun Dis 1996; 28: 221–230.
12. Xanthakis DS, Katsaras E, Efthimiadis M, Papadakis G, 37. Aytac A, Yurdakul Y, Ikizler C, Olga R, Saylam A.
Varouchakis G, Aligizakis C. Hydatid cyst of the liver with Pulmonary hydatid disease: report of 100 patients. Ann
intrathoracic rupture. Thorax 1981; 36: 497–501. Thorac Surg 1977; 23: 145–151.
13. Jerray M, Benzarti M, Garrouche A, Klabi N, Hayouni A. 38. Gottstein B, Reichen J. Hydatid lung disease (echinococcosis/
Hydatid disease of the lungs: study of 386 cases. Am Rev hydatidosis). Clin Chest Med 2002; 23: 397–408.
Respir Dis 1992; 146: 185–189. 39. Ioppolo S, Notargiacomo S, Profumo E, et al. Immuno-
14. Aribas OK, Kanat F, Gormus N, Turk E. Pleural complica- logical responses to antigen B from Echinococcus granulosus
tions of hydatid disease. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2002; 123: cyst fluid in hydatid patients. Parasite Immunol 1996; 18:
492–497. 571–578.
15. Rakower J, Milwidsky H. Primary mediastinal echinococ- 40. Ramzy RM, Helmy H, El Zayyat EA, et al. An enzyme-
cosis. Am J Med 1960; 29: 73–83. linked immunosorbent assay for detection of IgG1 anti-
16. Ozdemir N, Akal M, Kutlay H, Yavuzer S. Chest wall bodies specific to human cystic echinococcosis in Egypt. Trop
echinococcosis. Chest 1994; 105: 1277–1279. Med Int Health 1999; 4: 616–620.
17. Case Records of the Massachusetts General Hospital. 41. Liance M, Janin V, Bresson-Hadni S, Vuitton DA, Houin R,
Weekly clinicopathological exercises. Case 45-1987. A 16- Piarroux R. Immunodiagnosis of Echinococcus infections:
year-old girl with hepatic and pulmonary masses after a confirmatory testing and species differentiation by a new
sojourn in Bolivia. N Engl J Med 1987; 317: 1209–1218. commercial Western Blot. J Clin Microbiol 2000; 38: 3718–
18. Zapatero J, Madrigal L, Lago J, Baschwitz B, Perez E, 3721.
Candelas J. Surgical treatment of thoracic hydatidosis. A 42. Poretti D, Felleisen E, Grimm F, et al. Differential
review of 100 cases. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg 1989; 3: 436– immunodiagnosis between cystic hydatid disease and other
440. cross-reactive pathologies. Am J Trop Med Hyg 1999; 60:
19. Lewall DB, McCorkell SJ. Rupture of echinococcal cysts: 193–198.
diagnosis, classification, and clinical implications. AJR Am 43. Biava MF, Dao A, Fortier B. Laboratory diagnosis of cystic
J Roentgenol 1986; 146: 391–394. hydatid disease. World J Surg 2001; 25: 10–14.
20. Giulekas D, Papacosta D, Papaconstantinou C, Barbarousis D, 44. Gottstein B. An immunoassay for the detection of circulating
Angel J. Recurrent anaphylactic shock as a manifestation of antigens in human echinococcosis. Am J Trop Med Hyg
echinococcosis: report of a case. Scand J Thorac Cardiovasc 1984; 33: 1185–1191.
Surg 1986; 20: 175–177. 45. Salama H, Farid Abdel-Wahab M, Strickland GT.
21. Solak H, Ceran S, Ozpinar C, et al. Lung hydatid cyst Diagnosis and treatment of hepatic hydatid cysts with the
rupture and its surgery. Indian J Med Sci 1994; 48: 155–157. aid of echo-guided percutaneous cyst puncture. Clin Infect
22. Gelman R, Brook G, Green J, Ben-Itzhak O, Nakhoul F. Dis 1995; 1: 1372–1376.
Minimal change glomerulonephritis associated with hydatid 46. Mawhorter S, Temeck B, Chang R, Pass H, Nash T.
disease. Clin Nephrol 2000; 53: 152–155. Nonsurgical therapy for pulmonary hydatid cyst disease.
23. Ali-Khan Z, Rausch RL. Demonstration of amyloid and Chest 1997; 112: 1432–1436.
immune complex deposits in renal and hepatic parenchyma 47. Das DK, Bhambhani S, Pant CS. Ultrasound guided fine-
of Alaskan alveolar hydatid disease patients. Ann Trop Med needle aspiration cytology: diagnosis of hydatid disease of
Parasitol 1987; 81: 381–392. the abdomen and thorax. Diagn Cytopathol 1995; 12: 173–
24. Kini U. Invasive mycosis of a pulmonary hydatid cyst in a 176.
non-immunocompromised host. J Trop Med Hyg 1995; 98: 48. Qian ZX. Thoracic hydatid cysts: a report of 842 cases
404–406. treated over a thirty-year period. Ann Thorac Surg 1988; 46:
25. Date A, Zachariah N. Saprophytic mycosis with pulmonary 342–346.
echinococcosis. J Trop Med Hyg 1995; 98: 416–418. 49. Kilani T, El Hammami S. Pulmonary hydatid and other
26. Lioulias A, Kotoulas C, Kokotsakis J, Konstantinou M. lung parasitic infections. Curr Opin Pulm Med 2002; 8: 218–
Acute pulmonary embolism due to multiple hydatid cysts. 223.
Eur J Cardiothorac Surg 2001; 20: 197–199. 50. Filice C, Brunetti E. Use of PAIR in human cystic
27. Bhatia G. Echinococcus. Semin Respir Infect 1997; 12: 171– echinococcosis. Acta Trop 1997; 64: 95–107.
186. 51. Akhan O, Ozmen MN, Dincer A, Gocmen A, Kalyoncu F.
28. Burgos R, Varela A, Castedo E, et al. Pulmonary hydati- Percutaneous treatment of pulmonary hydatid cysts. Cardiovasc
dosis: surgical treatment and follow-up of 240 cases. Eur Intervent Radiol 1994; 17: 271–275.
J Cardiothorac Surg 1999; 16: 628–634. 52. Behrns KE, van Heerden JA. Surgical management of
29. Yalcinkaya I, Er M, Ozbay B, Ugras S. Surgical treatment of hepatic hydatid disease. Mayo Clin Proc 1991; 66: 1193–
hydatid cyst of the lung: review of 30 cases. Eur Respir J 1197.
1999; 13: 441–444. 53. Dhaliwal RS, Kalkat MS. One-stage surgical procedure for
30. Altintas N. Cystic and alveolar echinococcosis in Turkey. bilateral lung and hydatid cysts. Ann Thorac Surg 1997; 64:
Ann Trop Med Parasitol 1998; 92: 637–642. 338–341.
31. Beggs I. The radiology of hydatid disease. AJR Am 54. Cetin G, Dogan R, Yuksel M, et al. Surgical treatment of
J Roentgenol 1985; 145: 639–648. bilateral hydatid disease of the lung via median sternotomy:
32. Balikian JP, Mudarris FF. Hydatid disease of the lungs: a experience in 60 consecutive patients. Thorac Cardiovasc
roentgenologic study of 50 cases. AJR Am J Roentgenol Surg 1988; 36: 114–117.
1974; 122: 692–707. 55. Petrov DB, Terzinacheva PP, Djambazov VI, et al. Surgical
 PULMONARY ECHINOCOCCOSIS 1077

treatment of bilateral hydatid disease of the lung. Eur J disease of the liver: a report on thirty-nine surgical cases in
Cardiothorac Surg 2001; 19: 918–923. eastern Anatolia, Turkey. Am J Trop Med Hyg 1991; 45:
56. Ramos G, Orduna A, Garcia-Yuste M. Hydatid cyst of the 182–189.
lung: diagnosis and treatment. World J Surg 2001; 25: 46–57. 76. Reuter S, Nussle K, Kolokythas O, et al. Alveolar liver
57. Kilani T, El Hammami S, Horchani H, et al. Hydatid disease echinococcosis: a comparative study of three imaging
of the liver with thoracic involvement. World J Surg 2001; techniques. Infection 2001; 29: 119–125.
25: 40–45. 77. Gottstein B. Echinococcus multilocularis infection: immuno-
58. Aktan AO, Yalin R. Preoperative albendazole treatment for logy and immunodiagnosis. Adv Parasitol 1992; 31: 321–380.
liver hydatid disease decreases the viability of the cyst. Eur 78. Gottstein B, Jacquier P, Bresson-Hadni S, Eckert J.
J Gastroenterol Hepatol 1996; 8: 877–879. Improved primary immunodiagnosis of alveolar echinococ-
59. Erzurumlu K, Hokelek M, Gonlusen L, Tas K, Amanvermez R. cosis in humans by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
The effect of albendazole on the prevention of secondary using the Em2plus antigen. J Clin Microbiol 1993; 31: 373–
hydatidosis. Hepatogastroenterology 2000; 47: 247–250. 376.
60. Keshmiri M, Baharvahdat H, Fattahi SH, et al. A placebo 79. Ito A, Ma L, Schantz PM, et al. Differential serodiagnosis
controlled study of albendazole in the treatment of for cystic and alveolar echinococcosis using fractions of
pulmonary echinococcosis. Eur Respir J 1999; 14: 503–507. Echinococcus granulosus cyst fluid (antigen B) and
61. Anadol D, Ozcelik U, Kiper N, Gocmen A. Treatment of E. multilocularis protoscolex (EM18). Am J Trop Med Hyg
hydatid disease. Paediatr Drugs 2001; 3: 123–135. 1999; 60: 188–192.
62. Bartoloni C, Tricerri A, Guidi L, Gambassi G. The efficacy 80. Lanier AP, Trujillo DE, Schantz PM, Wilson JF, Gottstein B,
of chemotherapy with mebendazole in human cystic echino- McMahon BJ. Comparison of serologic tests for the
coccosis: long-term follow-up of 52 patients. Ann Trop Med diagnosis and follow-up of alveolar hydatid disease. Am J
Parasitol 1992; 86: 249–256. Trop Med Hyg 1987; 37: 609–615.
63. Galanakis E, Besis S, Pappa C, Nicolopoulos P, Lapatsanis P. 81. Gottstein B, Mowatt MR. Sequencing and characterization
Treatment of complicated pulmonary echinococcosis with of an Echinococcus multilocularis DNA probe and its use in
albendazole in childhood. Scand J Infect Dis 1997; 29: 638– the polymerase chain reaction. Mol Biochem Parasitol 1991;
640. 44: 183–193.
64. Qiu J, Schantz P, Wang Q, He J, Chen X, Liu F. Ozfendazole 82. Reuter S, Seitz HM, Kern P, Junghanss T. Extrahepatic
treatment for experimental alveolar echinococcosis in mice. alveolar echinococcosis without liver involvement: a rare
J Pract Parasit Dis 1999; 7: 116–119.
manifestation. Infection 2000; 28: 187–192.
65. Taylor DH, Morris DL. Combination chemotherapy is more
83. Kern P, Frosch P, Helbig M, et al. Diagnosis of Echinococcus
effective in postspillage prophylaxis for hydatid disease than
multilocularis infection by reverse-transcription polymerase
either albendazole or praziquantel alone. Br J Surg 1989; 76:
chain reaction. Gastroenterology 1995; 109: 596–600.
954.
84. Reuter S, Schirrmeister H, Kratzer W, Dreweck C, Reske SN,
66. Cobo F, Yarnoz C, Sesma B, et al. Albendazole plus
Kern P. Pericystic metabolic activity in alveolar echinococ-
praziquantel versus albendazole alone as a pre-operative
cosis: assessment and follow-up by positron emission
treatment in intra-abdominal hydatisosis caused by Echino-
coccus granulosus. Trop Med Int Health 1998; 3: 462–466. tomography. Clin Infect Dis 1999; 29: 1157–1163.
67. Zarzosa MP, Orduna Domingo A, Gutierrez P, et al. 85. Anon. Guidelines for treatment of cystic and alveolar
Evaluation of six serological tests in diagnosis and post- echinococcosis in humans. WHO Informal Working Group
operative control of pulmonary hydatid disease patients. on Echinococcosis. Bull World Health Organ 1996; 74: 231–
Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 1999; 35: 255–262. 242.
68. Craig PS. Echinococcus granulosus: immunodiagnosis and 86. Ammann RW, Hirsbrunner R, Cotting J, Steiger U,
vaccination, a perspective. Parassitologia 1997; 39: 345–347. Jacquier P, Eckert J. Recurrence rate after discontinuation
69. Heath DD, Holcman B. Vaccination against Echinococcus in of long-term mebendazole therapy in alveolar echinococcosis
perspective. Acta Trop 1997; 67: 37–41. (preliminary results). Am J Trop Med Hyg 1990; 43: 506–515.
70. Lightowlers MW, Lawrence SB, Gauci CG, et al. Vaccina- 87. Wilson JF, Rausch RL, McMahon BJ, Schantz PM.
tion against hydatidosis using a defined recombinant antigen. Parasiticidal effect of chemotherapy in alveolar hydatid
Parasite Immunol 1996; 18: 457–462. disease: review of experience with mebendazole and alben-
71. Rausch RL, Wilson JF, Schantz PM, McMahon BJ. dazole in Alaskan Eskimos. Clin Infect Dis 1992; 15: 234–
Spontaneous death of Echinococcus multilocularis: cases 249.
diagnosed serologically (by Em2 ELISA) and clinical 88. Bresson-Hadni S, Koch S, Beurton I, et al. Primary disease
significance. Am J Trop Med Hyg 1987; 36: 576–585. recurrence after liver transplantation for alveolar echinococ-
72. Sturm D, Menzel J, Gottstein B, Kern P. Interleukin-5 is the cosis: long-term evaluation in 15 patients. Hepatology 1999;
predominant cytokine produced by peripheral blood mono- 30: 857–864.
nuclear cells in alveolar echinococcosis. Infect Immun 1995; 89. D9Alessandro A. Polycystic echinococcosis in tropical
63: 1688–1697. America: Echinococcus vogeli and E. oligarthrus. Acta Trop
73. Gottstein B, Bettens F. Association between HLA-DR13 1997; 67: 43–65.
and susceptibility to alveolar echinococcosis. J Infect Dis 90. Lopera RD, Melendez RD, Fernandez I, Sirit J, Perera MP.
1994; 169: 1416–1417. Orbital hydatid cyst of Echinococcus oligarthrus in a human
74. Wilson JF, Rausch RL, Wilson FR. Alveolar hydatid in Venezuela. J Parasitol 1989; 75: 467–470.
disease. Review of the surgical experience in 42 cases of 91. D9Alessandro A, Ramirez LE, Chapadeiro E, Lopez ER,
active disease among Alaskan Eskimos. Ann Surg 1995; 221: de Mesquita PM. Second recorded case of human infection
315–323. by Echinococcus oligarthrus. Am J Trop Med Hyg 1995; 52:
75. Akinoglu A, Demiryurek H, Guzel C. Alveolar hydatid 29–33.