Ruptured Hydatid Cyst in the Right Thorax: Differential Diagnosis to Pleural Empyema

Abstract

We present a case of a hydatid cyst (Echinococcus granulosus) rupturing into the right pleural cavity. Clinical and radiological findings were consistent with a pleural effusion caused by pneumonia and led primarily to a wrong diagnosis. Pleural fluid analysis was suspicious for parapneumonic pleural empyema. After thoracoscopy led to the correct diagnosis a combined surgical and chemotherapy approach achieved complete remission.

Key words

Echinococcus granulosus - hydatid cyst - thoracoscopy - pleural empyema

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