[Liver hydatidosis causing obstructive cholangitis : a case report]

The authors report the case of a 41-year-old patient originating from Algeria who developed obstructive cholangitis caused by the membrane of a ruptured hydatid cyst leading to the diagnosis of cystic echinococcosis. Cystic echinococcosis can be asymptomatic for several years until a complication occurs, such as in this case an obstruction of the common bile duct, or cholangio-hydatidosis. This cause of jaundice is uncommon in Western Europe whereas it is more frequent in endemic areas. Identification and treatment of ruptured cysts are mandatory because of the mortality rate of these complications if left untreated. In this particular case, the treatment by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was successful.