TR
EN
A Rare Complication of Hepatic Hydatid Cyst: Isolated Hepato-Pleural Fistula Mimicking Empyema
Öz
Introduction:
Hydatid disease, caused by Echinococcus species, is a zoonotic infection that primarily affects the liver. Although most hepatic hydatid cysts remain asymptomatic, complications may arise as the cyst enlarges. Hepato-pleural fistula is an exceptionally rare complication, often difficult to diagnose due to its atypical presentation.
Case Report:
We present the case of a 59-year-old male with a known hepatic hydatid cyst who was admitted to the emergency department with acute dyspnea, fever, and purulent sputum. Imaging revealed a collapsed right lung and massive pleural effusion. Tube thoracostomy drained 1,300 cc of purulent fluid. MRI and fluoroscopy confirmed a hepato-pleural fistula originating from a ruptured hepatic hydatid cyst. The patient underwent percutaneous drainage followed by thoracotomy with diaphragmatic repair. He was discharged after combined surgical, interventional, and medical treatment including albendazole.
Conclusion:
Hepato-pleural fistula secondary to hepatic hydatid cyst is an extremely rare but serious complication. Emergency physicians should consider parasitic diseases in patients presenting with pleural effusion and acute dyspnea to ensure timely diagnosis and management.
References:
- Akkaya Işık S, Seyman D, Zerdali E, Ayan S, Kakaliçoğlu D, Ayaz T, et al. Evaluation of 170 Followed-up Cases Treated for Hydatid Disease: A Multicentre Study. Turk Parazitolojii Derg. 2020;44(4):197–202.
- El Hammoumi M, Kabiri EH. Bilio-bronchial and bilio-pleuro-bronchial fistulas of hydatic origin. Pol J Cardio-Thorac Surg. 2021;18(4):239–46.
- Varela Vega M, Durán F, Geribaldi N, San Martín G, Ettlin A. Hepatobronchial Fistula: A Rare Complication of Liver Abscess. Cir Esp. 2017;95(7):410–1
Anahtar Kelimeler
Destekleyen Kurum
The authors did not receive any financial support or institutional funding for this study.
Etik Beyan
Written informed consent was obtained from the patient.This study did not require ethics committee approval.
Teşekkür
The authors would like to thank all clinical team members who contributed to the management of the case.
Kaynakça
- 1. Akkaya Işık S, Seyman D, Zerdali E, Ayan S, Kakaliçoğlu D, Ayaz T, et al. Evaluation of 170 Followed-up Cases Treated for Hydatid Disease: A Multicentre Study. Turk Parazitolojii Derg. 2020 Dec 2;44(4):197–202. doi:10.4274/tpd.galenos.2020.6737 PubMed PMID: 33269559.
- 2. Nadir A, Kaptanoglu M, Sahin E, Karadayı K, Topcu O, et al. Bılıo-Bronchıal And Bılıo-Pleural Fıstulas Due To Hepatıc Hydatıd Cyst:A Case Report. T Klin Gastroenterohepatoloji 2004, 15:45-49.
- 3. Vergara Torrente J J, Velasquez M, Velasquez S, et al. (December 22, 2025) Hepatopleural Fistula Secondary to a Persistent Liver Abscess: A Case Report. Cureus 17(12): e99876. DOI 10.7759/cureus.99876
- 4. Pavlidis ET, Galanis IN, Pavlidis TE. Current considerations for the management of liver echinococcosis. World J Gastroenterol. 2025 Mar 14;31(10). doi:10.3748/wjg.v31.i10.103973
- 5. Karataş AD, Kaplan T, Durkaya S. A Case of Hydatid Cyst Admitted to Emergency with Chest Pain. J Emerg Med Case Rep. 2013 Jan 1;4(1):1.
- 6. Khalifeh Y, El Hadi D, Nassar H, El Hout W, Faraj W, Khalife M. Hydatid cyst: Introducing a new surgical approach towards hepato-pulmonary fistula, a case report. Int J Surg Case Rep. 2022 Mar 1;93:106898. doi:10.1016/j.ijscr.2022.106898 PubMed PMID: 35306331; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC8933557.
- 7. Cosgun, I. G., Kiter, G., Karabulut, N., Turk, F., Altun, M., & Evyapan, F. (2013). A Rare Cause of Pleural Effusion: Biliopleural Fistula. Solunum, 15(3), 194–197. https://doi.org/10.5152/solunum.2013.039
- 8. Mainali, Sumina MBBSa; Sapkota, Prakash MBBS, MDb; Koirala, Prashant MBBSa; K.C, Narendra MBBSa; Bhandari, Meghraj MBBSa; Neupane, Pujan K. MBBSa. Hydatid hepatopleural fistula causing biliothorax: minimally invasive approach with ERCP stent placement and chest tube drainage: a case report. Annals of Medicine & Surgery 85(12):p 6266-6273, December 2023. | DOI: 10.1097/MS9.0000000000001438
Ayrıntılar
Birincil Dil
İngilizce
Konular
Acil Tıp, Gastroenteroloji ve Hepatoloji
Bölüm
Olgu Sunumu
Yayımlanma Tarihi
30 Eylül 2026
Gönderilme Tarihi
9 Mart 2026
Kabul Tarihi
12 Haziran 2026
Yayımlandığı Sayı
Yıl 2026 Cilt: 17 Sayı: 3
APA
Atıcı, M. İ., Kus, B., & Toker, İ. (2026). A Rare Complication of Hepatic Hydatid Cyst: Isolated Hepato-Pleural Fistula Mimicking Empyema. Journal of Emergency Medicine Case Reports, 17(3), 116-118. https://doi.org/10.33706/jemcr.1905888
AMA
1.Atıcı Mİ, Kus B, Toker İ. A Rare Complication of Hepatic Hydatid Cyst: Isolated Hepato-Pleural Fistula Mimicking Empyema. Journal of Emergency Medicine Case Reports. 2026;17(3):116-118. doi:10.33706/jemcr.1905888
Chicago
Atıcı, Merve İrem, Baycan Kus, ve İbrahim Toker. 2026. “A Rare Complication of Hepatic Hydatid Cyst: Isolated Hepato-Pleural Fistula Mimicking Empyema”. Journal of Emergency Medicine Case Reports 17 (3): 116-18. https://doi.org/10.33706/jemcr.1905888.
EndNote
Atıcı Mİ, Kus B, Toker İ (01 Eylül 2026) A Rare Complication of Hepatic Hydatid Cyst: Isolated Hepato-Pleural Fistula Mimicking Empyema. Journal of Emergency Medicine Case Reports 17 3 116–118.
IEEE
[1]M. İ. Atıcı, B. Kus, ve İ. Toker, “A Rare Complication of Hepatic Hydatid Cyst: Isolated Hepato-Pleural Fistula Mimicking Empyema”, Journal of Emergency Medicine Case Reports, c. 17, sy 3, ss. 116–118, Eyl. 2026, doi: 10.33706/jemcr.1905888.
ISNAD
Atıcı, Merve İrem - Kus, Baycan - Toker, İbrahim. “A Rare Complication of Hepatic Hydatid Cyst: Isolated Hepato-Pleural Fistula Mimicking Empyema”. Journal of Emergency Medicine Case Reports 17/3 (01 Eylül 2026): 116-118. https://doi.org/10.33706/jemcr.1905888.
JAMA
1.Atıcı Mİ, Kus B, Toker İ. A Rare Complication of Hepatic Hydatid Cyst: Isolated Hepato-Pleural Fistula Mimicking Empyema. Journal of Emergency Medicine Case Reports. 2026;17:116–118.
MLA
Atıcı, Merve İrem, vd. “A Rare Complication of Hepatic Hydatid Cyst: Isolated Hepato-Pleural Fistula Mimicking Empyema”. Journal of Emergency Medicine Case Reports, c. 17, sy 3, Eylül 2026, ss. 116-8, doi:10.33706/jemcr.1905888.
Vancouver
1.Merve İrem Atıcı, Baycan Kus, İbrahim Toker. A Rare Complication of Hepatic Hydatid Cyst: Isolated Hepato-Pleural Fistula Mimicking Empyema. Journal of Emergency Medicine Case Reports. 01 Eylül 2026;17(3):116-8. doi:10.33706/jemcr.1905888