Bilobar hepatic hydatid cyst: a rare encounter with a silent invader

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Parasitology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Hydatid disease, caused by Echinococcus species, is prevalent in endemic regions like Nepal, frequently impacting the liver and lungs.
• Hepatic hydatid disease typically presents as a solitary cyst, often in the right lobe, and can remain asymptomatic for extended periods.

Observation:

• A 47-year-old male with a history of alcohol consumption presented with symptoms of right upper abdominal pain and vomiting.
• Imaging revealed two multiloculated, thick-walled hepatic hydatid cysts, classified as Stage CE 2 (WHO-IWGE), affecting both liver lobes.

Findings:

• The patient received albendazole treatment and underwent a successful laparoscopic pericystectomy for the bilobar hepatic hydatid cysts.
• This case represents an uncommon presentation of hepatic hydatid disease with bilateral lobe involvement.

Implications:

• Accurate imaging is critical for diagnosing hepatic hydatid disease, especially in rare bilobar presentations.
• Surgical intervention, such as pericystectomy, remains the primary treatment, with early detection and management crucial for preventing complications in endemic populations.