Non-thrombotic Pulmonary Embolism Due to Liver Hydatic Cyst: A Case Report

Chronic pulmonary thromboembolism due to intracardiac and pulmonary hydatidosis

Hydatid disease remains a problem in endemic areas. The combination of both intracardiac and pulmonary hydatid disease in association with chronic pulmonary thromboembolism is a rare presentation. We report a case of a 14-year-old girl with hydatid disease of the lungs, right ventricle, and pulmonary arteries, presenting as chronic pulmonary thromboembolism. She underwent surgery for wedge resection of the pulmonary hydatid in the right lower lobe, removal of the right ventricular hydatid (under cardiopulmonary bypass), and pulmonary endarterectomy (under total circulatory arrest). Her postoperative recovery was uneventful.

Four pathways for hydatid pulmonary embolism

INTRODUCTION

Hydatid pulmonary embolism (HPE) is rare but remains an etiology that needs to be considered and kept in mind, especially in endemic areas, as regards nonthrombotic embolism.

METHODS

Between 2000 and 2014, 10 patients were treated in our department for the presence of hydatid material in the pulmonary arterial circulation. Through these 10 cases, we try to assess the radioclinical characteristics and results of the surgical treatment.

RESULTS

The study included six men and four women, average age 28 years. Discovery of HPE was made following the exploration of cardiorespiratory symptoms in nine cases and was incidental in a single patient. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the chest directly visualized the hydatid material in the pulmonary arteries in nine cases. Surgery consisted of an embolectomy under cardiopulmonary bypass in nine cases. This embolectomy was preceded by the treatment of an embolic hydatid cyst (HC) in seven cases (HCs of the right heart chambers in six cases and a liver HC ruptured in the inferior vena cava in one case), whereas for only one patient, who presented a HC pedunculated in the right ventricle and protruding into the pulmonary artery, the cure of the cardiac location was sufficient. Only one patient died on the third postoperative day.

CONCLUSION

Endoluminal hydatid involvement of pulmonary arteries is extremely rare. CTA chest has an important contribution to the positive diagnosis. Treatment is surgical when the patient's condition allows it.

Sudden Death due to Hydatid Cyst Emboli; a Case Report

Echinococcosis is an infection caused in human by complex parasites that causes cystic hydatid disease. These infections are prevalent in most areas where livestock is raised in association with dogs. These parasites are found in all continents. Slowly enlarging cysts generally remain asymptomatic until their size has expanded. Here we present a case of sudden death following cyst emboli to the large veins and right heart of a young adult female.