Pulmonary Embolism Originating From a Hepatic Hydatid Cyst: A Case Report

Abstract

Spontaneous pulmonary embolism due to hydatid disease is an extremely rare complication. Here, we present a patient case involving multiple cystic hydatid lesions within the lung parenchyma and liver. A 32-year-old woman was admitted with acute respiratory failure and chest pain. Chest radiographs revealed a solitary oval opacity in the upper zone of the right lung. CT angiography was performed, showing a concomitant lung and liver hydatid cyst that had fistulized into the inferior vena cava, leading to massive bilateral hydatid pulmonary embolism, echinococcosis serologic testing was positive, pulmonary embolism was attributed to the hydatid cyst. Pulmonary hydatid embolism is a rare but serious complication of liver hydatid cysts. This diagnosis should be considered, particularly in endemic areas of this zoonotic disease.