Editing Echinococcosis (section)

===Alveolar===
As with cystic echinococcosis, ultrasonography is the imaging technique of choice for alveolar echinococcosis and is usually complemented by CT scans since CT scans are able to detect the largest number of lesions and calcifications that are characteristic of alveolar echinococcosis. MRIs are also used in combination with ultrasonography though CT scans are preferred. Like cystic echinococcosis, imaging is the major method used for the diagnosis of alveolar echinococcosis while the same types of serologic tests (except now specific for ''E. multilocularis'' antigens) are used to verify the imaging results. It is also important to note that serologic tests are more valuable for the diagnosis of alveolar echinococcosis than for cystic echinococcosis since they tend to be more reliable for alveolar echinococcosis since more antigens specific for ''E. multilocularis'' are available.<ref name=Eckert04 /> In addition to imaging and serology, identification of ''E. multilocularis'' infection via PCR or a histological examination of a tissue biopsy from the person is another way to diagnose alveolar echinococcosis.<ref name="BrunettiEnrico" />