A Case of Echinococcal Cyst of the Lung

Abstract

Echinococcosis, also known as Hydatid disease, is caused by the larvae of the tapeworm Echinococcus. It is globally prevalent and is a major clinical health concern. It is endemic in most underdeveloped regions including Asia, the Mediterranean, South America and Africa. There are four species within the genus Echinococcus, with E. granulosus and E. multilocularis being the most common, causing Cystic Echinococcosis (CE) and Alveolar Echinococcosis (AE). The clinical presentation of the disease is non-specific. It commonly involves the liver, lungs, brain and adrenal glands. Pulmonary disease is significant for its propensity to affect children and young adults. This young population accounts for ∼50% of pulmonary hydatid cysts [1]. Cysts are known to grow extensively in size. Many patients are asymptomatic and have only a solitary cyst. Symptoms arise from enlargement of the cyst and from eroding and pressure applied by the cyst to blood vessels and organs. If rupture of the cyst occurs it can lead to immunologic reactions such as asthma and anaphylaxis. Echinococcus in the lung can pose diagnostic dilemmas, as their homogeneous density and tendency to occur alone may cause them to be confused with squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, solitary metastasis, and abscess [2]. Our case is of such a patient who was found to have a 6 cm mass in the right middle lobe (RML) found on a chest X-ray during evaluation of back pain. Echinococcus should always be included in a differential diagnosis of any mass lesions especially in immigrant populations from endemic countries.

Cystic Echinococcosis in Hospitalized Adult Patients from Western Romania: 2007–2022

“…Regarding lung localization, in our study group, hydatic cysts in the lungs were noted in 13% of 366 cases. Previous studies have shown that the right lung may be affected in most cases of pulmonary CE [62]. Interestingly, in our study group, the left lung was the most frequently reported localization compared to the right lung.…”

Primary Hydatid Cysts in Rare Sites: A Series of Four Cases

“…A CT scan revealed a cystic lesion in the left kidney, which was initially regarded as a renal malignancy, and radical nephrectomy was performed to remove the renal mass. The final pathological diagnosis was a renal hydatid cyst [9]. In the present study, the patient with renal hydatidosis did not have haematuria or dysuria, and the Computed Tomography (CT) scan revealed multiple daughter cysts [Table /Fig Multiple whitish cystic structures received largest measuring 5×5×4 cc and altogether measuring 100 cc.…”

“…Cases of hydatid cysts in the spleen, lung, brain, and kidney have been reported in the literature [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11]13,14]. A case series discussing valuable insights into the clinical presentation, management strategies, and outcomes associated with these manifestations would contribute to the existing medical literature and increase our knowledge of the disease.…”

Pulmonary hydatid cyst disease: a retrospective study

“…The symptoms include non-specific cough, chest tightness, and pain, which can be seen in all lung diseases [1,7]. It can even be diagnosed incidentally as it may be asymptomatic until reaching large sizes.…”