Abstract
Background Cystic (CE) and alveolar (AE) echinococcoses are zoonotic parasitoses that may pose diagnostic problems due to their relative rarity in Middle Europe.
Methods Based on a recent literature search and the observation of casuistics from a national echinococcosis treatment center, epidemiological, radiological, and therapeutic fundamentals are presented and important differences between AE and CE are discussed.
Results and Conclusion AE and CE must be regarded as completely different diseases, which differ from each other in every significant aspect. This applies not only to the epidemiological background of the patients but also to the biology of the diseases and their respective imaging features.
Key Points:
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AE and CE are very distinct from one another and must be considered separately.
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AE is endemic in Middle Europe and is known as malignant parasitosis due to its destructive growth form.
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CE is primarily seen in Middle Europe in individuals with migration background and has a rather benign character.
Citation Format
Key words
infection - tropical diseases - diagnostic radiology - CT - MR-imaging - abdomen
