CT features of lung alveolar echinococcosis

Abstract

Objective To analyze the CT features of lung alveolar echinococcosis and assess the value of CT scanning for the diagnosis of this disease. Methods The CT features of lung alveolar echinococcosis in 26 patients diagnosed pathologically or clinically were reviewed retrospectively and correlated with histopathology.Results Lung alveolar echinococcosis appeared as multiple lesions bilaterally in 18 patients, as multiple lesions unilaterally in 6 patients, and as single lesion bilaterally in 2 patients. Seventeen cases presented as masses and nodules,8 patients presented as nodules,1 patient presented as a mass. Lobulation and spiculation were showed in most lesions, irregular cavity or bubble-like opacity in 13 patients,calcification in 18 patients,a patchy area or fibrotic cord around lesion in 14 patients. Pleural thickening adjacent to the lesion in 20 patients. Conclusion Lung alveolar echinococcosis has characteristic features on CT, and CT can provide important information for the diagnosis of lung alveolar echinococcosis. Key words: Echinococcosis,pulmonary; Tomography,X-ray computed