A Danish case of Echinococcus multilocularis

Ugeskr Læger 2004;166:911-912

The first confirmed case of an Echinococcus multilocularis infection in Denmark is described. A 75-year-old Danish citizen presented with symptoms of ascites and jaundice. Abdominal CT scan revealed two partly calcified, partly cystic lesions in the liver, and serology confirmed the diagnosis. Surgical resection was not possible, and treatment with albendazole was commenced but was not tolerated due to leukopenia; therefore the treatment was changed to mebendazole and praziquantel. In spite of the treatment the patient's condition deteriorated, and he died of liver failure. Upon autopsy a highly advanced stage of infection was seen with penetration of the diaphragm and the pericardium and invasion of the right atrium. The patient was born and raised in Denmark but had spent much time in Switzerland as an adult, and it is likely - however, not proven - that the infection was contracted there.