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Journal of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Sciences

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01-03-2010 | Original article

Alveolar echinococcosis of the liver in children

Authors: Tadashi Yoshida, Toshiya Kamiyama, Tadao Okada, Kazuaki Nakanishi, Hideki Yokoo, Hirofumi Kamachi, Michiaki Matsushita, Naoki Sato, Fumiaki Sasaki, Satoru Todo

Published in: Journal of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Sciences | Issue 2/2010

Abstract

Background/purpose

Alveolar echinococcosis of the liver (AEL) is a zoonosis that is distributed in cold regions of the northern hemisphere. The disease is mostly found in adults and rarely in pediatric patients because it tends to be slow growing.

Patients and methods

Ten Japanese pediatric patients (under 15 years old) with AEL have been operated on in Hokkaido University Hospital from January 1936 to June 2008. We examined these children and revealed the characteristics of AEL.

Results

The patients included three males and seven females whose mean age was 10.9 years old, ranging from 7 to 15. The length of follow-up was from 3 months to 33 years (median 19 years). Six cases were picked up by mass screening; nine cases who underwent hepatectomy are still alive and one case whose tumors were unresectable died of liver failure.

Conclusion

Our cases indicate that some AEL pediatric patients advanced rapidly, so early detection is imperative. Thus, screening examinations are essential for children in contaminated areas and, if a liver tumor is found on a screening examination and diagnosed as AEL, complete radical resection should be performed.

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Title: Alveolar echinococcosis of the liver in children
Authors: Tadashi Yoshida
Toshiya Kamiyama
Tadao Okada
Kazuaki Nakanishi
Hideki Yokoo
Hirofumi Kamachi
Michiaki Matsushita
Naoki Sato
Fumiaki Sasaki
Satoru Todo
Publication date: 01-03-2010
Publisher: Springer Japan
Published in: Journal of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Sciences / Issue 2/2010
Print ISSN: 1868-6974
Electronic ISSN: 1868-6982
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00534-009-0114-6

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Alveolar echinococcosis of the liver in children

Abstract

Background/purpose

Patients and methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background/purpose

Patients and methods

Results

Conclusion

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