Treatment of multiple primary hydatid cysts

Area of Science:

• Parasitology
• Medical Case Reports
• Surgical Techniques

Background:

• Hydatid disease, caused by Echinococcus granulosis, is a parasitic infection endemic in regions with close human-sheep contact.
• Liver hydatid cysts are common, but multiple cysts, especially in both liver and lungs, are rare.

Observation:

• A 48-year-old woman presented with an exceptionally high burden of 55 hydatid cysts: 47 in the liver, 5 in the right lung (intact), and 3 in the left lung (ruptured).
• The patient underwent a right thoracoabdominal incision for partial cystectomy of 34 cysts.

Findings:

• Remaining deeply seated cysts were managed with needle aspiration and ultrasonographically guided hypertonic saline injection.
• This combined approach allowed for the effective treatment of multiple hydatid cysts in a single surgical session.

Implications:

• This case highlights a successful strategy for managing extensive and multiple hydatid cysts, combining open surgery with minimally invasive techniques.
• Ultrasonographically guided aspiration offers a viable adjunct to surgery for deeply seated hydatid cysts, potentially reducing morbidity.