A Rare Case of Pneumothorax Caused by Ruptured Pulmonary Hydatid Cysts Accompanied by Deep Vein Thrombosis:  A Case Report

Reza Eslamian; Sam Moslemi; Sina A Sharghi; Amir Reza Fazeli

doi:10.18502/ajs.v7i3.17458

Reza Eslamian Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Sam Moslemi Division of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Sina A Sharghi Division of Endocrine Surgery, Emam Ali Hospital, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran.
Amir Reza Fazeli Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ajs.v7i3.17458

Keywords: Hydatid Cyst, Echinococcus Granulosus, Pneumothorax, Deep Vein Thrombosis

Abstract

Hydatid disease is mostly found in endemic areas such as the Middle East, particularly in patients with a certain history of exposure. Signs and symptoms depend on the organ infected by the cysts. Hepatic cysts may cause abdominal pain and jaundice. Pulmonary hydatid cysts, on the other hand, usually occur in the lower lobe of the right lung and present with chest pain, cough, or shortness of breath. Rupture occurs in about one-third of patients, releasing a highly antigenic fluid, which can result in anaphylaxis when ruptured into the bronchus. Alternatively, although not common, pulmonary hydatid cyst rupture may result in pleural effusion or, rarely, pneumothorax. Our patient was a young man who presented with pneumothorax resulting from a ruptured pulmonary hydatid cyst and concurrent extensive DVT. The cysts were completely resected, and the underlying parenchyma was repaired through a posterolateral thoracotomy, while DVT was managed by anti-thrombotic therapy.