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Imaging–pathology correlation
2 photos from surgery, necropsy or pathology. Some are graphic.
Canine (Mixed Breed) · CT, Radiograph, Ultrasound — Thorax, Abdomen
- Species
- Canine
- Breed
- Mixed Breed
- Age
- 7 years
- Sex
- Female spayed
- Weight
- 25.4 kg
- Level
- Radiologist
Presenting complaint and brief history
Progressive abdominal distension and vomiting. The patient originally resided in rural Saskatchewan.
Diagnosis
Hides the diagnosis, imaging findings, outcome, take-home points and correlation photos so you can read the images blind.
Hepatic alveolar echinococcosis
Confirmed
Imaging findings
- On CT, an expansive, fluid-attenuating mass arises from the right ventral aspect of the liver, featuring feathery internal mineralization and soft tissue septations. A separatesmaller rim-enhancing fluid-attenuating mass resides within the the left ventral aspect of the liver. Marked mass effect severely compresses and displaces the stomach and surrounding viscera. Multiple metal-attenuating ballistic projectiles reside throughout the musculature and subcutaneous tissues.
- On radiographs, an expansive soft tissue opacity mass occupies nearly the entirety of the cranial through mid abdomen. Multiple metal opacity ballistic projectiles in the subutaneous space.
- On ultrasound 6 months following surgical excision of the large cystic mass, a smaller amorphous fluid-filled cystic lesion with a hyperechoic periphery is found in the hepatic parenchyma.
What happened with the patient
Surgery for hepatic cyst removal. Histopathology confirmed hepatic alveolar echinococcosis.
Key take-home points
Travel or rescue history from endemic northern regions should raise clinical suspicion for Echinococcus multilocularis in patients with cavitary hepatic masses.
Some fields on this case were drafted with AI assistance from the contributor's own report or dictation, then reviewed by the contributor and by a reviewer before publication. How we use AI.
Contributed by
- Oren Ofer
DVM, DVSc, DACVR
49 cases
Educational use only — not clinical advice.
Cite this case
Ofer O. Hepatic alveolar echinococcosis. Radabase case 34418de5. Retrieved 2026-10-29 from https://www.radabase.vet/case/34418de5-4efd-4e04-8dc5-c175daa5faf0
Discussion
Questions and observations from colleagues. Never post identifying patient or owner information.
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