Wampembe EU, Lodhia J, Fabrice LM, Elisante J, Dohho A, Chilonga SK. Pulmonary hydatidosis with hepatopleural fistula: A case report.
Int J Surg Case Rep 2024;
116:109353. [PMID:
38342029 PMCID:
PMC10943639 DOI:
10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109353]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE
Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a chronic illness caused by the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus. It is classified as a neglected disease and is a priority according to the World Health Organization. CE is prevalent in populations engaged in specific livestock practices and is associated with poor living conditions.
CASE PRESENTATION
41-year-old female Maasai patient who presented with symptoms of cough, dyspnea, fever, and weight loss. Physical examination and CT scans confirmed the presence of cystic masses in the lungs and liver. The patient underwent a thoracotomy procedure to address complications from a hepato-pleural fistula.
CLINICAL DISCUSSION
Echinococcus is a tropical disease that affects over a million people worldwide annually. It primarily affects communities engaged in animal husbandry and causes the development of hydatid cysts. Diagnosis can be challenging due to prolonged asymptomatic periods. In rare cases, cysts can rupture into the pleura and bronchial tree, causing respiratory symptoms. Surgical treatment involves the systematic evacuation of cysts and visceral cyst excision, with concurrent laparotomy and thoracotomy being the optimum approach.
CONCLUSION
Hydatid cysts remain a significant health problem, particularly when large pleural cysts occur with subphrenic liver cysts. Surgical intervention, specifically a single-stage thoracotomy, is the preferred first-line treatment. This approach allows for both cysts to be addressed in a single procedure, providing effective and efficient treatment to patients.
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