Acute Abdomen Due to Rupture of a Hydatid Cyst of the Liver: a Rare Complication - a Case Report

Overview

Journal Ann Med Surg (Lond)

Publisher Wolters Kluwer

Specialty Medical Education

Date 2023 Apr 28

PMID 37113932

Authors

Subodh Adhikari

Madhur Bhattarai

Sushil Gyawali

Sudhan Subedi

Abhishek Bhattarai

Laligen Awale

Prasan B S Kansakar

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Case Presentation: A 19-year-old male presented with an acute abdomen for 12 h. After clinical assessment, contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed a rupture of the anterior wall of the hepatic hydatid cyst with intra-abdominal and pelvic dissemination. Exploratory laparotomy was performed with the evacuation of the daughter cyst and peritoneal lavage. The patient recovered well and was discharged with albendazole therapy.

Clinical Discussion: Hydatid cyst rupture is a rare but serious complication. Computed tomography has high sensitivity in demonstrating cyst rupture. The patient underwent laparotomy, where disseminated cysts were evacuated, and the anterior wall of the cyst was deroofed, along with the removal of a ruptured laminated membrane. Emergency surgery plus albendazole therapy are recommended protocols for cases like ours.

Conclusions: A patient from an endemic region with acute presentation of right upper quadrant pain can have spontaneously ruptured hydatidosis as a differential diagnosis. Intraperitoneal rupture and dissemination of hydatid cysts of the liver can be life-threatening if intervention is delayed. Immediate surgery is life-saving and prevents complications.

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