This protocol covers patients with uncomplicated hepatic cystic echinococcosis — a CE1 or CE3a cyst less than 5 cm in diameter — who did not achieve an adequate response after a prior course of albendazole (ALB) and require a further management step.
Uncomplicated hepatic cystic echinococcosis with a cyst classified as CE1 or CE3a and measuring less than 5 cm in diameter, in a patient previously treated with albendazole.
The prior line was albendazole (ALB). Escalation to this protocol is appropriate when reassessment at 3 months of that initial course shows no cyst changes — specifically, no detachment of the parasitic layers from the outer cyst wall, no reduction in cyst size, and no stage modification — or when a complete response has not been reached by 12 months after the end of the initial treatment course.
In patients with uncomplicated hepatic cyst types CE1 or CE3a < 5 cm, treatment with ALB is suggested.
Based on expert opinion, if there is a lack of response to an initial course of ALB, a repeat course of ALB could be considered.