Liver alveococcosis: the role of russian researchers in studying of pathomorphology, diagnosis and treatment aspects

Alveococcosis is a parasitic disease caused by the larvae of the tapeworm alveococcus and proceeding with the formation of a primary focus in the liver. The parasite’s germination into the surrounding organs and tissues, its steady growth and ability to metastasize make the course of alveococcosis similar in manifestations and outcomes to liver damage by malignant tumors, with the difference that the growth of the parasitic “tumor” is slower. Siberia, the Far East, Transbaikalia and the Volga region are among the largest endemic areas for it in the world. Domestic scientists have made a great contribution to various aspects of the study of alveococcosis. A large number of such patients and the need to provide them with assistance led to the formation of surgical schools for the treatment of liver alveococcosis in these regions of our country. For more than 100 years since the first clinical observations of alveococcosis were described in the literature, Russian researchers have published classical works on the epidemiology, morphology, classification and treatment of alveococcosis. Currently, the only radical method of treating alveococcosis is R0 liver resection, including extended resection with prosthetics of the main vessels; transplantation technologies and liver transplantation are also used, since there are no drugs with an absolute antiparasitic effect. The introduction of liver transplantation into the practice of hepatological centers in our country at the present stage has significantly changed the range and nature of operations performed for liver alveococcosis. A review of the literature on the study and development of surgical treatment of alveococcosis is presented with an emphasis on Russian scientific schools. Conclusion. Liver alveococcosis is a parasitic disease associated with certain endemic zones and characterized by a “malignant” course. Treatment of the liver alveococcosis and its complications is a rather complex task and still has no complete solution, in connection with which, a comprehensive approach to both diagnostics and treatment is advisable.