Hepatic and pulmonary cystic echinococcosis in a patient from the Central African Republic.

Apical lung opacity was diagnosed in an asymptomatic 30 year-old woman native of Central African Republic by routine chest X-ray. CT scan demonstrated an excavated pulmonary mass and revealed a simple hepatic cyst. Tuberculosis was suspected but mycobacterial cultures remained negative. Three months later, ultrasonography showed septations within the hepatic lesion suggestive of cystic echinococcosis. The detection of seric anti-Echinococcus antibodies was positive. Hepatic and pulmonary cysts were removed surgically and association with three-month course of albendazole resulted in a favorable outcome. Cystic echinococcosis is exceptional in Central Africa and to our knowledge never reported from the Central African Republic.