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Hydatid cyst in the head of the pancreas with obstructive jaundice
E R Lemmer1, J E Krige, S K Price
1Gastrointestional Clinic, University of Cape Town, Observatory, South Africa.
Insights
A rare case of obstructive jaundice in a teen was caused by an intrapancreatic hydatid cyst. This finding highlights the importance of considering pancreatic hydatidosis in diagnosing pancreatic cysts.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology
- Parasitology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Obstructive jaundice is a critical clinical presentation requiring accurate diagnosis.
- Intrapancreatic cysts can mimic neoplastic lesions, complicating diagnosis.
- Hydatidosis, a parasitic infection, is rare in the pancreas.
Observation:
- A 17-year-old female presented with obstructive jaundice.
- Imaging revealed a cyst in the pancreatic head.
- Cyst aspiration yielded clear fluid without diagnostic parasitic elements.
Findings:
- Histopathology confirmed an intrapancreatic hydatid cyst, not a cystic neoplasm.
- The cyst caused biliary obstruction leading to jaundice.
- Echinococcus infection was the underlying etiology.
Implications:
- Pancreatic hydatidosis must be included in the differential diagnosis of pancreatic cysts, especially in endemic areas.
- Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management and preventing complications.
- This case underscores the importance of considering parasitic etiologies in pancreatic diseases.
Abstract:
We report a rare case of obstructive jaundice caused by an intrapancreatic hydatid cyst in a 17-year-old black girl. Ultrasonography and computed tomography demonstrated the obstructing cyst in the head of the pancreas. Cyst aspiration produced clear fluid with a low amylase content and no hydatid hooklets or protoscolices. Pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed for a presumed cystic neoplasm of the pancreas, but histology showed the true diagnosis. Pancreatic hydatidosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of obstructing pancreatic cysts in the appropriate epidemiological setting.