Anaphylactic shock due to ruptured pulmonary hydatid cyst in a young patient from Iran

and importance: Hydatidosis is a zoonotic condition caused by contact with the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus metacestode. The liver and lungs are the most prominent locations for cysts. This is a rare case of pulmonary hydatid cyst (PHC) rupture in a young woman following a severe cough.

On July 9, 2018, a 20-year-old woman presented to our hospital in northern Iran with a complaint of cough with excessive sputum, dyspnea, drooling, symptoms of nausea and vomiting, itching and urticarial. Imaging findings showed evidence of a large, space-occupying mass in the right lung. She underwent a thoracoscopic wedge resection (TWR) as a minimally invasive technique, to remove the wall and contents of the cyst. Also, anaphylactic shock occurred in the patient. Due to hemodynamic disorders and heart and respiratory failure, unfortunately, the patient expired.

The rupture of a hydatid cyst may result in irreversible damage. PHC rupture is a serious complication that causes excessive coughing and chest pain. A rupture into the pleural or pericardial cavity is a serious and potentially fatal disease.

Anaphylactic shock should be considered as one of the serious complications of PHC, particularly in young ones. Therefore, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to prevent severe complications such as anaphylactic shock.