Fast-Growing Alveolar Echinococcosis Following Lung Transplantation

• 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
• Subjects: <i>Echinococcus multilocularis</i>; parasite; liver; lung transplantation; immunosuppression
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0817/9/9/756

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.