Case Reports
Hydatid cyst of the lung: a case report from Sri Lanka
Authors:
I. P. Welgama ,
National Hospital, Kandy, LK
J. Herath,
National Hospital, Kandy, LK
G. Gandhiji
National Hospital, Kandy, LK
Abstract
Cystic echinococcosis (Hydatid disease or hydatidosis), is a zoonotic, parasitic disease caused by larvae of Echinococcus granulosus (dog tapeworm) and transmitted via faeco-oral route. Although humans are accidental hosts, cystic echinococcosis can lead to numerous clinical symptoms and signs in humans. Based on their location, fatal anaphylaxis can occur following rupture of hydatid cysts. Even though frequently encountered in Middle East, South America, East Africa and Central Asia, the condition is very rare in Sri Lanka where only a few cases have been reported. We report the case of a young adult male, recently returned from a Central Asian country, who presented with a right-sided chest discomfort over three months. Initial investigations including imaging suggested an intrapulmonary fluid-filled lesion requiring surgical evacuation. At the surgery, it was found to be a hydatid cyst of the lung. Pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of hydatidosis, and the patient was treated with albendazole. Follow up investigations revealed no residual infection.
How to Cite:
Welgama, I.P., Herath, J. and Gandhiji, G., 2019. Hydatid cyst of the lung: a case report from Sri Lanka. Anuradhapura Medical Journal, 13(1), pp.18–21. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/amj.v13i1.7650
Published on
30 Dec 2019.
Peer Reviewed
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