Shotgun-induced rupture leading to subcutaneous hydatidosis: A rare complication of hepatic echinococcosis

Abstract

Hydatid disease, caused by Echinococcus granulosus, typically affects the liver and lungs, with subcutaneous involvement being exceedingly rare. We report a unique case of a 53-year-old man with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and a prior shotgun injury, presenting with dyspnea and COPD exacerbation. An abdominopelvic CT scan revealed multiple hepatic hydatid cysts and an unusual subcutaneous multilocular cyst in the right hemithorax, likely secondary to traumatic rupture from the shotgun injury. This case highlights the diagnostic utility of CT in identifying atypical hydatid cyst presentations and underscores the rare phenomenon of subcutaneous dissemination following trauma. We discuss the imaging findings, clinical implications, and management strategies, emphasizing the importance of considering hydatidosis in differential diagnoses of cystic lesions in endemic regions.