Image findings and follow-up of lung echinococcosis after chemotherapy with liposome-entrapped albendazole

Objective To evaluate the image features of lung echinococcosis under chemotherapy with liposome-entrapped albendazole.Methods Sixteen patients with lung echinococcosis who took orally liposome-entrapped albendazole(10 mg/kg,Bid,3 to 10 months)were examined by X-ray film,CT or MR before therapy and followed-up by those imaging studies after therapy.The morphological changes of the lesions as reflected on imaging findings were reviewed,with correlation of the clinic check-ups and laboratory tests,to judge effectiveness of the treatment.Results Five cases were completely cured.The treatment was effective in 6 cases,partially effective in 4 and invalid in 1 case.The imaging findings included:cavity formation in 7 cases due to hydatid cyst degeneration and absorption of cyst liquid;reduction in lesion size in 6 cases;disappearance of lesion or decrease in lesion numbers in 2 cases;increase in lesion density and blurting of cyst wall in 6 cases duo to cyst consolidation;rupture,shrinkage,collapse of cyst inner membrane in 3 cases;calcification of the cyst wall or contents in 6 cases.Condusions It is shown that liposome-entrapped albendazole chemotherapy has curative effect for lung echinococcosis.Imaging examinations are effective for monitoring the evolution of the disease by depicting the morphologic-pathologic changes of the lesions.