In nature, there are a huge number of parasites that can penetrate the human body. All of them have a harmful effect on the digestion process. Most often, worms parasitize in the intestines, liver, biliary tract and lungs. Each of these pests causes certain diseases that differ in the clinical picture.
Dangerous pathologies requiring surgical treatment are parasitic liver cysts. They are tumor-like formations localized inside the organ or on its surface. A cyst has the following components: a shell (capsule) and a cavity filled with liquid, inside of which there is a tapeworm. Unfortunately, removing the parasite from organ tissue can only be done with surgery. To identify this pathology, a thorough diagnosis is required.
Causes of liver cysts
One of the surgical diseases of the digestive tract is considered a parasitic cyst of the liver. The reasons for the development of this pathology lie in the penetration of tapeworm eggs into the body. The risk group for infection includes people working in agriculture. Among them:
- Shepherds and shepherds.
- Zoo workers and veterinarians.
- The butchers.
- Hunters and fishermen.
Parasite eggs are present not only in infected meat, but also on animal hair. Therefore, worms can enter the human body when eating unwashed vegetables and fruits, as well as unboiled water. The original habitat of the worms is the intestines. Worm eggs quickly spread throughout the body with a blood stream and enter the liver. There, the oncosphere is transformed into a lavrocyst, that is, a cyst.
The formation of a tapeworm cavity takes about 5 months. During this time, the parasite has time to grow, and the shell of the cyst is fully formed. It becomes quite dense due to the formation of fibrous tissue. The inner wall of the shell is represented by the genital organ of the worm. Therefore, the parasite not only grows inside the cyst, but also multiplies. Similar formations quickly increase in size and spread the liver tissue.
Varieties of parasitic cysts
Depending on the type of tapeworm, various parasitic liver cysts are secreted. Inside the shell there may be such worms as alveococcus, echinococcus and opisthorchus. Less commonly, cysts are formed as a result of the penetration of roundworm into the liver. The most common parasitic disease is echinococcosis. The carriers of the larvae of this worm are domestic animals (dogs, cats) and cattle. Echinococcus eggs penetrate the gastrointestinal tract, and from there into the hepatic capillaries. Since the parasite is a foreign body, a fibrous capsule forms around it. However, this does not prevent Echinococcus from multiplying, but, on the contrary, is considered a favorable environment for its life. Such parasitic liver cysts can reach several tens of centimeters. Echinococcosis is not characterized by multiple organ damage. Usually the cyst is localized in one place. Subsidiaries can form inside the main membrane.
Cysts containing alveococci develop in a similar way. This pathogen is found in animals living in the taiga. The carriers of this type of tapeworms are foxes, dogs, arctic foxes and wolves. Unlike echinococcal cysts, the lesion often becomes plural. Often the primary focus occurs in the right lobe of the liver. Alveococcal cysts have several chambers, inside each of them is a parasite. Therefore, formations grow rapidly.
Less commonly, cysts form with opisthorchiasis. This disease is quite dangerous, since the pathogen affects the bile ducts of the liver. As a result, the risk of developing primary cholangiocellular cancer is significantly increased. Roundworms often affect the intestines, but can also penetrate the liver. In this case, the formation of cysts is not excluded.
Symptoms of parasitic liver disease
At the initial stage of pathology, it is almost impossible to recognize a cyst. Small formations in the liver are often an accidental find for doctors. As the parasite grows, symptoms of the disease appear. This is due not only to the fact that worms secrete harmful substances in the process of life, but also to damage to the tissues of the organ.
How is a parasitic liver cyst manifested? Symptoms of pathology:
- Unpleasant sensations in the right hypochondrium. Sometimes the pain spreads to the chest.
- Weight loss. Almost all helminthic infestations are accompanied by a decrease in body weight.
- Itchy skin, rashes. The sudden onset of allergic reactions often indicates the presence of parasites in the body.
- Fatigue and malaise.
Periodically, with echinococcosis of the liver, a slight increase in body temperature is observed. In some cases, a change in stool is noted, diarrhea alternates with constipation.
Parasitic liver cyst: diagnosis of the disease
The main diagnostic measure to confirm the presence of a cyst is an ultrasound of the hepatoduodenal zone. Thanks to this study, it is possible to identify a cavity formation, as well as to establish its density and size. Large parasitic liver cysts are found with ordinary abdominal palpation. With pressure on the region of the right hypochondrium, a dense protrusion is noted. Palpation of large cysts is accompanied by pain. Some patients notice periodic “trembling” in the abdomen. It occurs as a result of a collision of small echinococcal cysts located in the same membrane.
To identify disorders of the biliary tract, retrograde cholangiopancreatography is performed. Due to the close proximity of the organs, liver cysts often squeeze the ducts, leading to the appearance of jaundice. In severe cases, computed tomography of the abdominal cavity is prescribed. This study provides information on the exact location of parasitic cysts and their relationship to blood vessels and other organs.
Laboratory diagnostic methods
When conducting a general blood test, an elevated level of eosinophils is often noted. These cells indicate the presence of helminthic invasion. An increase in ESR may also be observed, which indicates the presence of an inflammatory process in the body. The main methods of laboratory diagnosis are serological reactions. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and PCR allows you to set the titer of antibodies produced by a specific pathogen. Thanks to these research methods, you can find out exactly which tapeworm caused damage to the organ.
Parasitic liver cyst: pathology complications
Liver cysts are dangerous diseases, because if untreated they lead to serious consequences. The complications of the disease include: suppuration of the cavity formation, capsule rupture, the development of obstructive jaundice and ascites. The inflammatory process in the cyst is accompanied by high fever and sharp pains in the right hypochondrium. Large formations compress the vessels of the liver and bile ducts. As a result, ascites and other signs of increased pressure in the portal vein develop. This is accompanied by varicose veins of the esophagus and the development of bleeding. Cyst rupture leads to dissemination of parasites in the body. Thus, anaphylactic shock or sepsis develops.
Treatment of parasitic cysts
Conservative therapy will help if there is an uncomplicated parasitic liver cyst. The treatment is aimed at eliminating pathogens. For this purpose, the drugs "Albendazole" and "Nemozolum" are prescribed. Antiparasitic drugs must be taken within 4 weeks. Then a break of 14 days is taken, and the course of treatment is repeated. Due to the fact that these drugs have pronounced side effects, doctors recommend performing a planned operation.
Surgical treatment of pathology
Surgical treatment is mandatory in the presence of large cysts, since there is a threat of their rupture. It consists in the complete emptying of the cyst and suturing of the liver tissue. Laparoscopic interventions are performed only if there is no risk of capsule breakthrough and dissemination of parasites. In the presence of complications, an emergency open operation is indicated.
Prevention of parasitic cysts
To avoid helminthic infestations, preventive measures must be observed. The causes and treatment of parasitic liver cysts are closely related. Therefore, in order not to resort to the use of preparations from worms, food should be carefully processed. Meat and fish must be cooked until cooked. Vegetable products should be washed thoroughly. Prevention includes preventive examinations. An abdominal ultrasound is recommended at least 1 time per year.