Disseminated hydatid cyst of liver and lung

BMJ Case Rep. 2017 Nov 28:2017:bcr2017222808. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2017-222808.

Abstract

Hydatid cyst commonly affects liver followed by lung, but rarely affects both organs simultaneously. Here we presented a patient who presented with concurrent involvement of both lungs and liver. Patient presented with dyspnoea and generalised weakness with bilateral rounded opacities throughout the lung field of variable sizes. CT scan chest with contrast showed multiple rounded soft tissue density in both lungs and liver. Patient underwent mini thoracotomy which revealed multiple cystic lesions throughout lung. ELISA for anti-Echinococcus antibodies shows positive titres. Due to extensive involvement, patient was started on medical treatment albendazole. The patient showed significant improvement both clinically and radiographically on treatment. Thus long-term medical treatment helps in such cases where surgery is not possible.

Keywords: infections; respiratory system.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Albendazole / therapeutic use
  • Anticestodal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Echinococcosis, Hepatic / complications*
  • Echinococcosis, Hepatic / drug therapy
  • Echinococcosis, Pulmonary / complications*
  • Echinococcosis, Pulmonary / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Liver / parasitology
  • Lung / parasitology
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Anticestodal Agents
  • Albendazole