Multiple cystic echinococcosis: the importance of preventive examination and collaborative treatment

Abstract

This case report presents a 43-year-old worker (welder in the locksmith trade) from Bosnia and Herzegovina who was diagnosed with advanced hydatidosis during a preventive medical examination. The patient had a history of frequent close contact with dogs at home and at work and reported a long-standing sensation of heaviness in the left side of his abdomen. As part of his routine occupational health examination, he had a complete laboratory testing, abdominal ultrasound, multislice computed tomography (MSCT), and a consultation with an infectious disease specialist and abdominal surgeon. Imaging revealed multiple cystic formations in the left hemiabdomen and a cyst in segment VIII of the liver, confirming the diagnosis of multivisceral echinococcosis. The patient was promptly treated with preoperative (and postoperative) albendazole to reduce the cyst size and prevent complications. This case highlights the critical role of ultrasound in the diagnosis of hydatidosis, especially in an occupational medicine context. As part of preventive screening, ultrasound is a valuable tool for the early detection of echinococcosis in workers in high-risk environments. Early diagnosis allows for timely intervention, reducing the risk of disease progression to an advanced stage. This case underscores the importance of implementing effective epidemiological strategies, including regular screenings and awareness campaigns, in order to control the spread of echinococcosis in endemic regions.