Jim MacDonald, a sheep farmer, arrives at the hospital with right upper quadrant pain, fever, and an elevated white blood cell count. He states that 3 months earlier, he was kicked in the ribs. An irregular mass showing low-level echoes is found on the sonogram. What is your differential diagnosis?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Given the patient's occupation as a sheep farmer and the presentation of an irregular mass with low-level echoes on sonogram, an Echinococcal cyst is highly suggestive. Echinococcus granulosus, the parasite responsible, is commonly transmitted through contact with infected dogs or ingestion of food contaminated with the eggs, a risk in sheep farming areas.

Jim MacDonald, a Sheep Farmer, Arrives at the Hospital with Right