Hydatid Cyst Pleural and Pericardial Effusions as a Complication of Postoperative Hydatid Cyst Resection from the Liver: A Case Report

Abstract

Hydatid cyst is a zoonotic endemic disease in Iraq. It carries considerable complications either related to the disease itself or following its surgical removal. Pleural and pericardial effusion is a rare postoperative complication of hydatid cyst removal. A 65year-old Iraqi female patient complained of right-sided chest heaviness and palpitation one month following surgical removal of 2 large hydatid cysts. There were no other associated symptoms. Physical examination revealed the possibility of pleural and pericardial effusions (poor air entry and stony dullness of the right posterior part of lower zone, difficulty to palpate the apex beat, increase heart dullness, and no pericardial rub). The diagnosis was confirmed by chest X-ray and echocardiogram. She received Albendazole tablet 400 mg twice daily for 6 weeks with a good response. The Early presumption of the disease in an endemic area with a good dose and appropriate course of Albendazole tablets treatment can give very good results. To our best knowledge, this is the first case in the world who presented with hydatid cyst pleural and pericardial effusions and responded completely to the Albendazole tablets.