Liver CT Appearances

Hydatid Disease (Echinococcus) CT Findings

• Intraluminal debris (“snow flake sign”)
• Multiseptated lesions
• Daughter cysts fill the mother cyst, either partly or completely (“honeycomb” appearance)
• Detached membranes
• Rim calcification
• Fat droplets or fat-fluid level in liver lesion is rare

Other Information About Hydatid Disease (Echinococcus)

Etiology:

• Parasitic infection
• Associated with livestock, particularly sheep and dogs associated with sheep

Epidemiology:

• Anyone with exposure to the Echinococcus granulosus parasite is at risk

Presentation:

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Cough
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Jaundice
• Palpable mass
• Weight loss

Prognosis:

• Hydatid disease can be cured or managed but recurrence is common

Related Pearls: Inflammatory Disease