Spontaneous rupture of the pulmonary hydatid cyst in a young male leading to a complicated pneumothorax: A case report and review of literature.

INTRODUCTION

Hydatid disease, caused by the Echinococcus tapeworm, can form cysts in various parts of the body, mostly in the liver and lungs. These cysts may remain asymptomatic in the lungs or, upon rupture, can lead to pneumothorax and empyema.

CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of a 22-year-old male presented with sudden onset of chest pain and dyspnea. After being referred to our hospital and based on physical examination and CT scan findings, he was diagnosed with spontaneous rupture of a pulmonary hydatid cyst. During thoracotomy, massive amounts of empyema and necrotic tissues were discovered in the pleural cavity which were surgically removed. The patient had unremarkable recovery; as his respiratory symptoms were totally resolved, he was discharged within a week with a chest tube inserted.

DISCUSSION: Despite being rare, hydatid disease should be considered as a differential diagnosis for pneumothorax, pleural effusion and empyema in the pleural cavity, particularly in endemic regions. Non-complicated cysts, could be discovered by chest X ray, However, for complicated cysts, CT scan is the choice for diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

In endemic regions, hydatid cysts should be considered an important differential diagnosis for nonspecific respiratory symptoms, and a surgical approach should be considered for excising the cyst remnants.