Utility of Clinical Symptoms, Serology and Ultrasonographic Findings in the Diagnose of Hydatid Cyst of the Liver in Children

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of various diagnostic methods of HCL in children. Methods: From 2005 to 2019, we examined 154 children with suspected HCL. A total 93 (60.4%) children had HCL, and 61 (39.6%) had nonparasitic cysts. All children received clinical and laboratory examination with US. We divided patients with HCL into Group I (CL type of HCL, 27 patients), Group II (CE1 type, 32 patients), and Group III (CE2 type, 34 patients). Results: Comprehensive examination, including clinical manifestations of disease together with US and ELISA, showed sensitivity of 59.8% and specificity of 47.5% for all types of HCL. Conclusions: We found that the most informative diagnostic approach for all types of HCL in children is a combination of clinical manifestations together with US and ELISA.