An up-to-date on clinical management of human cystic echinococcosis

Abstract

More than one thousand of patients with more than two thousand of Echinococcus granulosus hydatid cysts were observed during the last 20 years. The therapeutic approach ranged from chemotherapy with benzimidazole carbamates (mebendazole and albendazole) to surgery, percutaneous non conventional treatment, and a "wait and see" approach, on the basis of the clinical picture, of the compliance and of the socio-economic background of each patient. The observed results, mainly those regarding chemotherapy, were briefly summarized and discussed. Most important point to underline is the need of data about a more prolonged follow-up on wider casuistries of patients both treated (with chemotherapy, with surgery, with percutaneous non conventional treatment) and not treated, to obtain a more suitable evaluation of the long-term outcome of the performed clinical approach. Moreover, a multidisciplinary approach is advisable to assure a better clinical management to patients with cystic echinococcosis.