Systemic anaphylaxis due to hepatic hydatid disease.

Hydatidosis can be a cause of anaphylaxis; it has been clearly established that the accidental rupture of a cyst during surgery can provoke severe anaphylactic reactions. Spontaneous anaphylaxis secondary to hydatid disease is much less frequent. We report three patients who presented with spontaneous anaphylaxis without apparent cause. Serological and ultrasonographic studies showed hepatic hydatid disease. Two years after surgical resection of cysts, no new episodes of anaphylaxis have occurred. Hydatidosis is a cause of apparently spontaneous anaphylaxis and this is likely due to an IgE-mediated mechanism.