Splenic hydatid disease in pregnancy

Area of Science:

• Medical Case Reports
• Parasitology
• Obstetrics and Gynecology

Background:

• Hydatid disease, caused by Echinococcus granulosus, is endemic in South Africa.
• Splenic hydatid disease is rare, and its management during pregnancy presents unique challenges.

Observation:

• A case of isolated splenic hydatid disease in an HIV-positive woman during her third trimester of pregnancy is presented.
• The patient exhibited splenomegaly, a common presentation for hydatid disease.

Findings:

• Management involved a multidisciplinary team including high-risk obstetrics, hepatobiliary surgery, and infectious diseases specialists.
• Treatment included pre-operative albendazole, an elective caesarean section at 36 weeks with assisted forceps delivery, and planned post-partum splenectomy.

Implications:

• This case underscores the complexity of managing hydatid disease in pregnant patients.
• A multidisciplinary team approach is crucial for optimizing outcomes in such rare and complex cases.