Diagnosis
In clinical presentation, an asymptomatic individual with a cystic mass
in different organs associated with the epidemiological aspect of the
disease is considered a suspected case. While serology (Western blot and
ELISA) has high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity, false negative
results may occur in liver or lung cysts in patients with no release of
immunogens into the bloodstream or the presence of antigen-antibody
complexes. Radiologists play an essential role in detecting these cysts.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the WHO support Ghabis
and WHO classifications for diagnostic imaging, encompassing various
types of hydatid cysts based on imaging characteristics (Table 2)
(Figure 1&2). These classifications, along with radiological findings,
aid in proper characterization and clinical staging, despite the
potential for false negative serology results in some cases11. When calcifications occur, they are located in the
cyst wall, appearing in curved or ring shapes in the peri cystic layer.
They can be seen in 20-30% of cases. Complete calcification of the
hydatid cyst is crucial because it indicates the death of the parasite,
rendering the cyst clinically inactive 12-16.