Fatal Rupture of a Giant Hydatid Cyst in an Elderly Patient

Abstract

Hydatid cyst (HC) disease, which is endemic in Turkey, is mainly located in the liver. Cyst rupture is the most common complication of HC. Ultrasonography (US) and computerized tomography (CT) are the main diagnostic modalities for HC disease. Presented herein was a case of an elderly female patient who died shortly after presenting to the emergency department with severe abdominal pain. A giant HC was detected on initial evaluation by US. However, the presence of significant amounts of free fluid in the peritoneal space following a CT of the abdomen. The patient died despite medical and surgical intervention.