Ruptured hydatid cyst presenting with a hydropneumothorax in a 16-year-old boy: A case report from Syria

Jamal Ataya; Hamdah Hanifa; Ammar Ismail; Adnan Ismail

doi:10.1016/j.ijscr.2023.108034

Ruptured hydatid cyst presenting with a hydropneumothorax in a 16-year-old boy: A case report from Syria

Int J Surg Case Rep. 2023 Apr:105:108034. doi: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2023.108034. Epub 2023 Mar 23.

Authors

Jamal Ataya¹, Hamdah Hanifa², Ammar Ismail³, Adnan Ismail⁴

Affiliations

¹ Faculty of Medicine, University of Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria. Electronic address: dr.jamalataya@gmail.com.
² Faculty of Medicine, University of Kalamoon, Damascus, Syria.
³ Faculty of Medicine, University of Tartous, Tartous, Syria.
⁴ Department of Surgery, University of Kalamoon, Damascus, Syria.

Abstract

Introduction and importance: The rupture of the pulmonary hydatid cyst is a serious clinical problem because it causes significant local and systemic symptoms. Also, cyst rupture is not rare, but it is one of the most frightening and severe complications of hydatid cysts in the lung.

Case presentation: We report a 16-year-old male with a 15-x-15-cm cyst in the lower lobe of his left lung that had ruptured into the pleural space and bronchus, resulting in a fistula. The germinal layer was discovered within the fluid of the effusion inside the pleural cavity. The cyst was surgically excised and treated with albendazole. A three-month follow-up found the patient to be healthy and free of symptoms.

Clinical discussion: The presented case highlights the importance of early detection and management of pulmonary hydatid cysts. The rupture of these cysts can lead to significant local and systemic symptoms, as well as the formation of fistulas. Echinococcus infection of the lung is relatively common, but hydatid cysts in general require special management due to their tendency to go undiagnosed until they are large and accompanied by cysts in other areas. The presented case highlights the importance of early detection and proper management of pulmonary hydatid cysts to prevent complications and ensure successful outcomes for patients.

Conclusion: Infection of the left lung with Echinococcus is generally common, but hydatid cysts, in general, need special management because they usually are not detected early, are large, incidentally discovered, and are accompanied by cysts in other areas.

Keywords: Case report; Giant hydatid cyst; Hydropneumothorax; Ruptured hydatid cyst.

Publication types

Case Reports