Albendazole therapy of hydatid disease: 2-year follow-up of 40 cases

Abstract

Forty patients with 63 Echinococcus granulosus cysts affecting different sites were treated with albendazole and have been followed up for at least 24 months from completion of therapy. Twenty-one patients (53%) with 37 cysts (59%) showed evidence of healing. The criteria and pattern of healing are outlined. The most serious complication of albendazole therapy was hepatoxic jaundice, which occurred in 5% of patients. Recurrence during the observation period was encountered in 9.5% of patients with a positive response. It is suggested that patients suffering from uncomplicated hydatid disease should be given the benefit of a trial course of albendazole therapy, before surgery is undertaken.