Rupture of a hydatid cyst of the liver into the biliary tract

Rupture of a hydatid cyst into the biliary tract occurs in 5% to 10% of patients with hydatid disease of the liver. The communication between the hydatid cyst cavity and the biliary tree may produce intermittent or progressive obstructive jaundice. The presence of such jaundice complicates the diagnosis since it resembles other biliary disorders such as stone or infection. We treated six patients with hepatic hydatid cysts, four with minute fissures and two with wide ruptures into the biliary tract. The pathophysiologic mechanisms, diagnostic procedures and treatment are discussed.