Fast-Growing Alveolar Echinococcosis Following Lung Transplantation

Alveolar echinococcosis is a rare but life-threatening infection caused by the parasite <i>Echinococcus multilocularis</i>. Its natural history is characterized by a slow parasitic growth over several years. Increased incidence and shorter development delay have been reported in immune-c...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Clarisse Dupont, Fréderic Grenouillet, Jean-Yves Mabrut, Frédérique Gay, Florence Persat, Martine Wallon, Jean-François Mornex, François Philit, Damien Dupont
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2020-09-01
Series:Pathogens
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0817/9/9/756
Description
Summary:Alveolar echinococcosis is a rare but life-threatening infection caused by the parasite <i>Echinococcus multilocularis</i>. Its natural history is characterized by a slow parasitic growth over several years. Increased incidence and shorter development delay have been reported in immune-compromised patients. We report the reactivation of aborted lesions within 12 months of lung transplantation leading to a fast-growing aggressive hepatic lesion. Timely identification of alveolar echninococcosis allowed prompt albendazole treatment and radical surgery leading to a favorable outcome 42 months after transplantation. However, close clinical, serological and radiological monitoring is required to rule out relapses in the long term. The pre-existence of aborted self-limited lesions of alveolar echinococcosis and the possibility for their atypical rapid growth in patients undergoing profound immunosuppression should be known by healthcare providers, even if working in non-endemic areas.
ISSN:2076-0817