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Hydatid cysts of the lung
J D Widdrington1, C Echevarria, M Bone
1Department of Medicine, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, UK. john_widd@hotmail.com
BMJ Case Reports
|July 11, 2012
Summary
Cystic hydatid disease, a parasitic infection, is often missed in non-endemic areas. Early consideration of geographical history is crucial for diagnosing Echinococcus granulosus infections.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
- Radiology
Background:
- Cystic hydatid disease is a zoonotic infection caused by Echinococcus granulosus.
- Larval cysts typically manifest in the liver and lungs.
- Delayed diagnosis in non-endemic regions is common due to non-specific symptoms and lack of geographical history.
Observation:
- A 44-year-old woman from Yemen presented to a UK hospital with chest pain, pruritus, and weight loss.
- Pulmonary nodules were detected, leading to a CT-guided biopsy to rule out malignancy.
- Iatrogenic rupture of a cyst during biopsy caused acute eosinophilic pleurisy.
Findings:
- Diagnosis of cystic hydatid disease was confirmed by strongly positive hydatid serological tests.
- The case highlights the diagnostic challenges of Echinococcus granulosus in non-endemic settings.
- Integration of clinical suspicion, imaging, and serology is key for accurate diagnosis.
Implications:
- Emphasizes the importance of considering geographical history in differential diagnoses.
- Highlights the need for increased awareness of hydatidosis in immigrant populations and travelers.
- Underscores the role of imaging and serological tests in diagnosing parasitic zoonoses.
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