Ultrasonic evaluation of echinococcosis in four lowland gorillas.

Four captive lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) were subjected to abdominal ultrasonic scanning. Evidence of progressive infection by the enzootic parasite Echinococcus vogeli was observed in all 4 of them. Ultrasonic scanning revealed abdominal disease, with evidence of both hepatic and bowel involvement. Three gorillas subsequently died. Necropsy results validated the ultrasonic diagnoses.