Hepatic Hydatid Cyst in a Young Rural Female: A Case Report

Introduction: Hydatid disease in humans occurs as result of infection by the larval stages (hydatid cysts) of taeniid cestodes of the genus Echinococcus. The growth of the hydatid cysts in the internal organs (mainly liver and lungs) of humans may affect the health and lead to appearance of the disease manifestations. Case report: We report a case of hydatid cyst of the liver in a 29-years-old woman who originally lived in Jizan in Saudi Arabia and presented to Jeddah King Fahad hospital emergency unit with abdominal pain radiated to the right shoulder. Physical examination and imaging investigation in the form of chest X-ray, abdominal sonography and computed tomography were done to her. Results: Imaging investigations demonstrated a cystic lesion within right lobe of the liver extending to adjacent part of the left lobe. A hydatid cyst was diagnosed. The patient underwent radical excision of the cyst with total removal. She also received pre and postoperative oral albendazole. Conclusion: Hydatid disease cases of the liver may remain silent and become symptomatic and are usually diagnosed in adult patients because of the slowly growing nature of the cyst. The diagnosis needs careful history taking, examination and imaging investigations.