Abstract:

To explore the value of remote imaging combined with multi-disciplinary treatment (MDT) in the diagnosis and treatment of hepatic echinococcosis in Qinghai Province, retrospective analysis was performed of 100 hepatic echinococcosis patients being anticipating surgery, of them the clinical images and information were transferred from primary hospital to Xikang group consultation platform of the imaging center in Qinghai University Affiliated Hospital from April 2019 to February 2020. The clinical and imaging data were collected to analyze the classification and staging of hepatic echinococcosis, and the changes of diagnosis and treatment plan after MDT. The analysis showed that after remote imaging and MDT, of the 100 hepatic echinococcosis cases, one case of mixed echinococcosis was referred to superior hospital for surgical treatment; of 44 hepatic cystic echinococcosis patients, 34 were treated by surgery in local hospitals, 6 were referred to superior hospitals for surgical treatment, and 4 were treated with medication; of 55 hepatic alveolar echinococcosis cases, 30 patients received surgery locally, 10 patients were referred to the upper hospital for surgery, and 15 patients received drug treatment. After remote imaging consultation, the cyst classification at initial screening, and the scheme of diagnosis and treatment were adjusted for 48 cases. It was demonstrated that the remote imaging and MDT has great potential in improving the diagnosis and treatment of hepatic echinococcosis in primary hospitals in pastoral areas of Qinghai Province, providing basis for the successful development of localized surgery and zero-clearance of surgical echinococcosis cases in Qinghai area, and saving the medical resources and costs as well.

Key words: Echinococcosis, Remote imaging, Multi-disciplinary team, Staging