Synchronous association of hepatocellular carcinoma and cystic echinococcosis with unusual pathology: report on diagnostic and pathological variability

BMJ Case Rep. 2021 Dec 3;14(12):e246534. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2021-246534.

Abstract

Cystic hydatid disease or cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a globally endemic zoonosis caused by the larval cyst stage of the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus Concomitant presence of CE and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare clinical scenario. A 70-year-old male patient presented with acute abdominal pain to the surgical outpatient department. On evaluation, a cystic lesion with solid components and free fluid in the abdomen was observed, which led to multiple differentials in the working diagnosis. A CT showed the mass to have a delayed enhancement. Surgical exploration revealed a partially ruptured hydatid cyst with daughter cysts in the abdominal cavity and a solid-component mass lesion. We proceeded with a right partial hepatectomy. Pathological evaluation revealed a pale mass lesion with a large collapsed cyst. HCC with unusual dense fibrillar fibrosis and cystic interface with normal parenchyma was observed. This case connects the multimodal assessment of radiology, surgery and pathology.

Keywords: gastrointestinal surgery; hepatic cancer; infectious diseases; interventional radiology.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Animals
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular* / diagnostic imaging
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular* / surgery
  • Echinococcosis* / diagnosis
  • Echinococcosis* / diagnostic imaging
  • Echinococcus*
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging
  • Liver Neoplasms* / surgery
  • Male
  • Zoonoses