Primary Disseminated Hydatid Disease Involving Multiple Organs in a Pediatric Patient: A Rare Case Report

Abstract Hydatid disease is a parasitic infestation by Echinococcus genus of tapeworm, resulting from ingestion of tapeworm eggs and leading to formation of cysts predominantly in the liver and lungs. Multiorgan involvement in children is unusual. We present a case of a 12-year-old female with multiple organ involvement. Patient had history of abdominal pain, breathlessness, irritability and vomiting. Plain radiograph showed a large ovoid calcific lesion projected over the liver. Abdominal sonography demonstrated multiple hydatid cysts in the liver, spleen and left kidney. Ultrasound findings were further confirmed by contrast-enhanced computed tomography that showed additional hydatid cysts in bilateral lungs. All accessible cysts were excised on laparotomy. Cystic hydatid disease should be suspected in all pediatric patients with multiple cystic lesions, especially in endemic areas.