Hydatid Pulmonary Embolism Complicating Hepatopulmonary Hydatid Disease: A Case Report

Hydatid disease is an endemic parasitic infection that primarily affects the liver and lungs. Hydatid pulmonary embolism is an exceptional and potentially severe complication, usually resulting from the rupture of a hydatid cyst into the venous circulation. We report the case of a 64-year-old patient, a former smoker from a rural area, who had been diagnosed with hepatopulmonary hydatid disease complicated by chronic bilateral hydatid pulmonary embolism two years before the current admission. Echinococcosis serology was positive. Thoracic computed tomography (CT) angiography revealed arterial hydatid involvement associated with multiple pulmonary and hepatic cystic lesions. Management included therapeutic anticoagulation, empirical antibiotics, and the cautious reintroduction of albendazole with close biological monitoring, followed by hepatic surgery. Pulmonary embolism is a rare presentation of hydatid disease. Because of its nonspecific clinical features, careful diagnostic assessment and individualized management are required.