Published online Jun 28, 2022. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i24.2775
Peer-review started: February 24, 2022
First decision: April 5, 2022
Revised: April 13, 2022
Accepted: June 3, 2022
Article in press: June 3, 2022
Published online: June 28, 2022
Processing time: 120 Days and 5.4 Hours
We read the article titled, “Long-term follow-up of liver alveolar echinococcosis using echinococcosis multilocularis ultrasound classification,” by Schuhbaur J with great interest. However, we found some worthwhile issues that we believe should be discussed with the authors, and have provided our comments in this letter. It would be valuable if the authors could provide further information about the clinical stages, follow-up time, and clinical outcomes of the patients.
Core Tip: Although many experts suggest that radical surgery combined with albendazole treatment is the optimal option for alveolar echinococcosis patients, no clear consensus has been reached on whether long-term treatment using albendazole alone without any surgical intervention can cure or control the disease. Therefore, some professional issues need to be clarified by discussion with peers, in order to benefit as many patients as possible.