Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2026
13:25
Transient Transduction of the Strobilated Forms of Echinococcus granulosus
Published on: September 16, 2022
Anaphylactic shock as a single presentation of Echinococcus cyst
L De Wispelaere1, S Vande Velde, P Schelstraete
1Paediatric Gastroenterology Dpt., Ghent University Hospital, Gent. leen.dewispelaere@ugent.be
Acta Gastro-Enterologica Belgica
|November 23, 2011
Summary
Anaphylactic shock in a young boy was linked to a hidden hepatic Echinococcal cyst. Even microscopic leakage from the cyst into the biliary tree can trigger severe allergic reactions.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Parasitology
- Immunology
Background:
- Anaphylactic shock is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction.
- Hepatic Echinococcal cysts, caused by Echinococcus granulosus, are common in endemic areas.
- The presentation of hydatid cysts can be varied, sometimes mimicking other conditions.
Observation:
- A 14-year-old boy presented with anaphylactic shock following minor abdominal trauma.
- Investigations revealed an unruptured hepatic Echinococcal cyst.
- Recurrent anaphylaxis despite anti-helminthic therapy prompted surgical intervention.
Findings:
- Intra-operative findings revealed a rupture of the hepatic Echinococcal cyst into the biliary tree.
- Surgical excision led to the complete resolution of anaphylactic symptoms.
- This case highlights that anaphylactic shock can be the sole presenting symptom of a hydatid cyst.
Implications:
- Anaphylaxis should be considered as a potential, albeit rare, presentation of occult hydatid disease.
- Microscopic spillage of hydatid cyst contents into the biliary system may be sufficient to elicit severe anaphylactic reactions.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate management, including surgical intervention when indicated, are crucial for favorable outcomes in patients with Echinococcal cysts presenting with anaphylaxis.
Related Concept Videos
02:06Allergic Reactions
Overview
01:30Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction mediated by Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. When IgE binds to allergens, it triggers the release of mediators– histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins from mast cells and basophils. These mediators cause vasodilation, edema, and inflammation, leading to various symptoms.The primary allergens causing anaphylaxis include food items (e.g., peanuts, shellfish), drugs (e.g., penicillin, asparaginase, corticotropin, heparin),...
01:01Hypersensitivity Reactions: Cytolytic Reactions
Type II hypersensitivity involves IgG and IgM antibodies targeting cell surface antigens, leading to cell destruction. This can occur through complement activation, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), or acting as opsonins for phagocytosis. When excessive, these reactions cause significant tissue damage.Drug-induced hemolytic anemia is a common example, where drugs like penicillin or cephalosporins bind to red blood cells, forming drug-protein complexes. These complexes...
01:19Hypersensitivity Reactions: Immune-Complex Reactions
Type III hypersensitivity reactions occur when antigen–antibody complexes form and activate the complement system. Normally, these complexes help the clearance of antigens by phagocytes and red blood cells. However, when large numbers of immune complexes are present, they can deposit in tissues—particularly in the walls of blood vessels—leading to inflammation and tissue injury. These deposits trigger complement activation and neutrophil recruitment, resulting in serum sickness, a systemic...
01:30Drug Toxicity: Allergic Reactions
Drug-related allergies are immune-mediated responses triggered by the administration of pharmacological agents. These hypersensitivity reactions are classified based on the immune mechanisms involved. The four primary types—Type I, II, III, and IV—are mediated by different immunological pathways and exhibit distinct clinical manifestations.Type I Hypersensitivity/ IgE-Mediated Reactions: Immunoglobulin E (IgE) immediately mediates Type I hypersensitivity reactions. Upon initial exposure to a...
01:19Encephalitis l: Introduction
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...