IMPORTANT: We currently have a number of bugs related to image cropping and are actively trying to resolve them. In the meantime, we have disabled cropping. Apologies for any inconvenience. Stay informed: radiopaedia.org/chat

Hydatid disease - communicating lung and liver cysts

Case contributed by Dr L J Chacko
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

c/o respiratory distress, chest pain Initial x ray showed pleural effusion. Pleural fluid tapping was done and patient showed no improvement. USG: showed two calcified hepatic cysts and moderate right pleural effusion.

Patient Data

Age: 65 years
Gender: Female

Initial x ray

x-ray

Moderate right pleural effusion.

No mediastinal shift.

No effusion on left side.

Large loculated fluid collection in right hemithorax.

Two calcified hydatid cysts in liver with rupture of one cyst into pleuroperitoneal cavities.

Case Discussion

Hydatid disease is a common parasitic disease affecting humans. The liver is the most common site, followed by the lung. Rupture of cysts can lead to various complications like ascites, pleural effusion, transbiliary and peritoneal seeding.

Transdiaphragmatic involvement of the pleural cavity is a rare occurrence, which can produce secondary cysts in pleura and mediastinum. Hematogenous spread to the lung may also produce pulmonary cysts.

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.