Non-thrombotic Pulmonary Embolism Due to Liver Hydatic Cyst: A Case Report

Year 2017, Volume: 34 Issue: 3, 275 - 277, 01.05.2017

Ahmet Şahpaz Azem İrez Hatice Gülbeyaz Mustafa Talip Şener Ahmet Nezih Kök

Abstract

Background: A non-thrombotic pulmonary embolism
is defined as embolization to the pulmonary circulation.
It may be caused by microorganisms, foreign bodies,
different cell types or gas in the pulmonary circulation.
Pulmonary hydatid cyst-induced embolization is a rare
complication of heart or liver hydatid cysts.
Case Report: We describe the fatal case of a 15-year-old
boy without any known prior illness who was admitted
to the hospital after feeling unwell and dropping to the
ground while playing ball. During the autopsy, a lesional
mass, with dimensions of 13x6 cm, was observed in the
left lobe of the liver. The histomorphological examination
of pulmonary sections showed scolices observed in
pulmonary vessel lumina, thus a non-thrombosis hydatid
embolism was diagnosed. Based on the findings, the
cause of death was recorded as a non-thrombotic hydatid
embolism.
Conclusion: The present case is interesting because a
non-thrombotic pulmonary embolism rarely results in
sudden death, and a definitive diagnosis was possible
only by a histopathological examination.

Keywords

Hydatid cyst, lung, embolism, autopsy

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