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Updated: Jun 10, 2026
13:25
Transient Transduction of the Strobilated Forms of Echinococcus granulosus
Published on: September 16, 2022
Echinococcosis presenting as acute abdominal pain
Jean Lee Nelson1, Frank LoVecchio
1Midwestern University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Glendale, AZ 85308, USA. jean.nelson@azwebmail.midwestern.edu
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
|July 20, 2010
Summary
A 71-year-old man with hydatid disease, who frequently travels between the US and Mexico, presented with acute abdominal pain and other symptoms. The case highlights diagnostic challenges in patients with limited history and compliance.
Area of Science:
- Parasitic Diseases
- Oncology
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Hydatid disease, caused by Echinococcus tapeworms, is endemic in many parts of the world, including regions with frequent travel between the United States and Mexico.
- Prostate cancer is a common malignancy in older men, and its metastatic potential requires careful monitoring and management.
Observation:
- A 71-year-old male patient with a history of hydatid disease presented with acute abdominal pain, neurological deficits, and urinary symptoms.
- Imaging revealed a large abdominal cystic mass consistent with hydatid disease and multiple metastatic lesions indicative of advanced prostate cancer.
Findings:
- The patient's presentation was complicated by limited historical data and past non-compliance, leading to an unusual clinical manifestation.
- The co-occurrence of hydatid disease and metastatic prostate cancer presented a complex diagnostic and management scenario.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering parasitic infections in patients with a relevant travel history, even in the presence of other serious conditions.
- Diagnostic challenges in complex cases necessitate thorough patient evaluation and interdisciplinary collaboration for optimal patient outcomes.
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