Hydatid cysts of the liver with concomitant massive peritoneal hydatidosis: a case report

Abstract

The worldwide distribution of Echinococcus granulosus and its capability to persist in the human organism by causing serious medical and economical damage makes this parasite popular in terms of diagnosis and treatment implementation. Besides the liver as the primary target organ for this parasite, cases of secondary peritoneal hydatidosis are reported. Although rarely, they present with unusual abdominal symptoms with a bizarre presentation on abdominal ultrasound and Computerized Tomography scans. We present a case of a 44 years old male patient with concomitant presence of liver hydatid cysts and massive peritoneal hydatidosis treated with a combination of surgery and postoperative medications. The treatment of peritoneal hydatidosis consists of surgical removal of all the present cysts. In addition, anti-parasitic drugs are recommended to prevent a recurrence. The concomitant presence of liver hydatid cysts and peritoneal echinococcosis can appear as a result of abdominal trauma or iatrogenic spillage during abdominal surgery.

Keywords

• Echinococcosis
• Echinococcus granulosus
• Hepatic hydatidosis
• Peritoneum