Pulmonary echinococcosis during pregnancy: Clinical aspects and management

Background: Hydatid disease is defined by the presence of cysts that result from the parasitic tapeworm, Echinococcus. Whilst hydatid disease is primarily a disease of sheep and cattle, humans are also known hosts. Hydatid cysts are most common in the liver and lungs but all organs and tissues have the potential to develop such cysts. Hydatid disease during pregnancy is rare but pregnant individuals are thought to be more symptomatic. Case Reports: A 23-year-old primigravida nullipara female at 32 weeks gestation complained of right pleuritic chest and shoulder pain and a one-week history of night sweats. The clinical examination and chest radiograph suggested pulmonary tuberculosis. After a thorough clinical, radiological and laboratory investigation, pulmonary tuberculosis was excluded and pulmonary cysts were diagnosed by plain radiography, ultrasound and computer tomography. The patient was treated conservatively and, because of the advanced stage of her pregnancy, no antihelminthic treatment was started before delivery. Conclusions: Diagnosis of hydatid disease is based on clinical signs and symptoms and epidemiological data while ultrasonography is important for the classification of the hydatid cyst. The present case is an example of the clinical considerations and management of hydatid disease during pregnancy.