Disseminated echinococcosis with discordant serology: a rare case of molecularly confirmed Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto G1 in Poland.
Adam Majchrzak, Adam Kaczmarek, Dominika Bębnowska et al.
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Case in brief
A 24-year-old man from Morocco, living in Poland, presented with abdominal distension, pain, and gastrointestinal obstruction. Imaging revealed multiple large, septated cysts in the liver, spleen, peritoneum, and right lung. Serological tests showed fluctuating results for E. granulosus and E. multilocularis. Although albendazole therapy resulted in partial regression of intra-abdominal lesions, molecular analysis later confirmed E. granulosus, clarifying the diagnosis.
What made this case unusual
The case presented with discordant serology, alternating between E. granulosus and E. multilocularis, complicating the diagnosis of disseminated echinococcosis.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Clinicians should be aware that serological discordance can occur in echinococcosis, necessitating comprehensive diagnostic approaches, including molecular methods.
Why it matters
This case underscores the importance of advanced diagnostic techniques in accurately identifying echinococcosis, particularly in patients from endemic regions.