Hepatic hydatidosis complicating pregnancy: A clinical challenge

Abstract

Pregnancy is an immunologically vulnerable state. Due to various physiological and metabolic changes that take place during pregnancy, female body is more prone to pathogenic infections or precipitation of already established infection. Human hydatidosis is caused by Echinococcus, Echinococcus granulosus causes cystic echinococcosis in various organs of the body and Echinococcus multilocularis causes alveolar echinococcosis. Due to decreased cellular immunity and release of corticosteroids during pregnancy the asymptomatic hepatic hydatid cyst may enlarge in size and cause complications. Therefore, early diagnosis of hepatic hydatidosis and proper management plays a vital role in obtaining good feto maternal outcome.