Demonstration of amyloid and immune complex deposits in renal and hepatic parenchyma of Alaskan alveolar hydatid disease patients.

Histopathological changes and the incidence of amyloid and immune complex (IC) deposits were examined in six liver (autopsy or biopsy) and two kidney (autopsy) samples from seven Alaskan alveolar hydatid disease (AHD) patients. Both the kidney samples showed evidence of severe nephropathy and glomerular IC deposits. Two of the six liver samples had typical amyloid deposits. All the liver samples examined showed variable amounts of parenchymal atrophy adjacent to the locus of larval Echinococcus multilocularis, periportal and portal fibrosis. Thus secondary amyloidosis and IC-mediated pathological changes should be included as possible complications of AHD.