New aspects in the management of alveolar echinococcosis involving the liver

The experience with 8 consecutive patients with alveolar echinococcosis of the liver is reported. The follow‐up period varied between 4 and 17 years. In 4 cases, the parasite could be removed by liver resection; 3 developed subsequent inoperable recurrences. Four patients had primary inoperable disease. All patients are being treated by long‐term mebendazole. The evolution of the disease was followed by serial computed tomography scans measuring the parasitic volume. One patient is disease‐free 8 years following bilateral liver resection. The volume of the parasite remained unchanged in 6 patients. In 1 case, the lesions disappeared. The presumed parasitostatic effect of mebendazole must be taken into consideration in the management of alveolar echinococcosis.