Disseminated Hydatid Disease in a Child Involving Multiple Organ Systems: A Case Report

Lung Hydatidosis Unveiled: A Multisystem Mirage of Pathological Rarity

Lung hydatidosis is a zoonotic infection, primarily caused by Echinococcus sp., and has a significant role in the economy and public health. Canines are the predominant hosts of these parasitic tapeworms. Lungs are the most commonly infected organ after the liver. Hepatic pulmonary blood circulation is mainly reported to transport infection to the lungs. The prevalence of hydatid disease has increased over the past decade. In addition, patients with multi-organ involvement of hydatid cysts have been reported in different parts of the world. Hydatidosis can remain asymptomatic for years after infection in some conditions, especially in cases of splenic hydatidosis. Chest radiography and computed tomography findings can be used to confirm the diagnosis of hydatid disease. Hydatid disease is, in general, managed by pharmacological therapy, but if multi-organ involvement is observed, surgery along with medical management is required. Long-term follow-up is recommended in such cases to check the recurrence of the disease.

Intramuscular hydatid cyst of paraspinal muscle: A diagnostic challenge

Hydatid cyst is a zoonosis caused by ingestion of eggs of Echinococcus-a tapeworm. Following ingestion of the eggs, oncosphere larvae are released which penetrate the intestinal wall to invade various organs of the body including liver, lungs, and skeletal muscles via. blood vessels. Due to their contractile nature and high lactic acid content, skeletal muscles are typically not a suitable site for attachment of hydatid cyst. In our case report presented below, we report a rare case of an isolated hydatid cyst of paraspinal muscle presenting as a slow-growing asymptomatic mass in the back, posing a clinical diagnostic dilemma.

Primary disseminated intraabdominal hydatidosis: a case report

Background

Hydatidosis, a zoonotic disease caused by the larvae of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (E. granulosus s.l.), can be primary or secondary. However, primary disseminated intraabdominal hydatidosis is a rare form of the disease, accounting for about 2% of all intraabdominal cysts.

Case presentation

We report herein a case of primary disseminated intraabdominal hydatidosis with multiple organ involvement in a 51-year-old Iranian man presenting to a healthcare facility with abdominal pain. During the physical examination, two abdominal masses were palpated. Ultrasound and computed tomography revealed six cystic lesions in the patient’s liver, subhepatic region, pelvic, and omentum. Afterward, he underwent surgery, during which the cystic lesions were completely removed. The patient received albendazole (400 mg/kg/day) postoperatively and was recommended to continue the treatment for 4 months.

Conclusions

Although primary disseminated intraabdominal hydatidosis is rare, this problem is of great importance due to the fertility of cysts and the high risk of recurrence. Therefore, it is recommended to follow such patients with imaging modalities and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for native antigen B (AgB). In addition, patients should undergo albendazole therapy postoperatively for 4 months.