Diagnosi e gestione dell'echinococcosi epatica in età pediatrica

Abstract

The paper reports the case of a 15-year-old Moldovan girl presenting with persistent right upper quadrant pain and high-grade fever. Initially treated for a suspected urinary tract infection, the persistence of symptoms led to the discovery of a large hepatic cystic lesion (13×10 cm) suspicious for echinococcosis. Further investigations, including abdominal MRI and infectious disease consultation, confirmed a CE1 hepatic cyst according to WHO-IWGE classification. Given the lesion's size and location, a combined medical-surgical approach was recommended. The patient began albendazole therapy and underwent surgical removal of the cyst eight days later. Postoperatively, she developed an urticarial reaction later interpreted as a pseudo-allergic response related to cyst manipulation. This case highlights the importance of accurate diagnostic assessment and multidisciplinary management of hepatic echinococcosis in paediatric patients, particularly within migration-related epidemiological contexts where the disease may be more prevalent.