Abstract: Objective To analyze the clinical diagnosis and treatment of hepatic hydatid disease and its epidemiological characteristics in Yili river valley. Methods Retrospective investigation was carried out on 2 049 cases collected in 1993-2003. Clinical diagnosis was made by ways of intradermal test, serological test, ultrasound, X-ray, CT and/or MRI, majority of them received surgical operation. Results Among the 2 049 cases, cystic hydatidosis occupied 96%( 1 965 / 2 049 ), while 4%(84/ 2 049 ) were alveolar hydatidosis. 99% ( 2 034 / 2 049 ) accepted surgery including hepatolobectomy, endocystomy and hydatidostomy in 302 cases (14.7%) without relapses. 754 cases (36.7%) received chemotherapy (praziquantel, albendazole) after surgical operation. The disease distributed in agri-pastoral areas along the valley. Local residents from different minorities had a close contact with dogs, 54% of the cases were females and 48% of the cases were in the group of 25-49 years old. The incidence tends to decline in the years. Conclusion Hydatidosis is still an important health problem in the region. Further practices for improving treatment especially surgical intervention and for epidemiological investigation are needed.

Key words: Hydatidosis, Liver, Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Treatment