Evaluation of ultrasonography as a diagnostic tool for hepatic hydatid cysts in sheep

Abstract

This retrospective study was designed to evaluate the use of ultrasonography for the diagnosis of hepatic hydatid cysts. This study was conducted on 22 sheep, which were classified into 2 groups according to their liver health group (healthy liver = 13 and cystic liver = 9). Biochemically, serum concentrations of gamma-glutamyl transferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin, and globulins were significantly increased (P < 0.01) while albumin was lowered (P < 0.01) in sheep with cystic livers. Ultrasonographically, rounded, anechoic, and unilocular hydatid cysts with elliptical circumferences ranging from 6 to 10 cm were seen. The interiors of cysts contained echogenic particulate materials, septations, or fine echoes. At the 10th intercostal space (ICS), ventral margin, size, thickness, and angle of livers increased in sheep with hepatic cysts, while the diameter of portal vein decreased in sheep with liver cysts. At the 9th ICS, the circumference of the gall bladder was lowered in sheep with hepatic cysts (P < 0.01). The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of ultrasonography for diagnosis of hepatic hydatid cysts were 80%, 100%, and 100% and 83%, respectively. In conclusion, ultrasonography alone or in combination with some biochemical parameters reflecting liver function could be helpful for the diagnosis of hepatic hydatid cysts in sheep.