[Diagnosis of echinococcosis of the liver by angiography (author's transl)].

Twenty patients with Echinococcus cysticus and 15 with E. alveolaris were studied. Selective upper abdominal angiographies, performed in most of these cases, were reviewed retrospectively for typical angiographic changes. In a large percentage, E. cysticus demonstrated typical cystic and expansive signs; atypical vessels were rarely seen. How the "rim sign" develops is demonstrated. Usual signs of E. alveolaris are incomplete solid and necrotic space occupying lesions, as seen also in malignancy. Although angiography offers a high diagnostic rate in hepatic manifestation of this parasitic disease, it has been superseded today by sonography and computer tomography. It is, however, still a valuable investigation in pre-operative work-up.