Splenic hydatid disease in pregnancy

Abstract

Introduction: Hydatid disease in the South African setting remains an important differential diagnosis in many appropriate clinical presentations, such as splenomegaly. Splenic hydatid disease in pregnancy is a rare and complex disease to manage. Patient presentation: In this case report we describe a case of isolated splenic hydatid disease in an HIV-positive woman presenting in her third trimester of pregnancy. Management and outcome: A multidisciplinary team consisting of specialists from the high-risk maternity unit, hepatobiliary surgery and infectious diseases planned the management of the patient, which included pre-operative albendazole and elective caesarean section with assisted forceps delivery at 36 weeks’ gestation. An elective splenectomy in the post-partum period was planned for definitive management. Conclusion: Our aim is to highlight the unique treatment challenges of hydatid disease in pregnancy and the need for a multidisciplinary team approach when managing complex cases of hydatid disease.

Keywords

• cystic echinococcosis
• hydatid disease
• pregnancy
• spleen
• splenomegaly