Post-Traumatic Rupture of a Pleural Hydatid Cyst: A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction:The preferred site of the hydatid cyst is the liver followed by the lung [1]. The extrapulmonary intrathoracic locations are usually the mediastinum, pleura, pericardium and chest wall. Most reported cases of intrapleural hydatid cysts are secondary; the primary pleural location is rare [2]. Case presentation: We report the case of a 16-year-old girl, operated two years ago for a pulmonary hydatid cyst, admitted to the emergency room in acute respiratory distress in the aftermath of a minimal trauma, responsible for the rupture of a pleural hydatid cyst in the pleural cavity. Discussion: A primary pleural hydatidosis ruptured in the pleural cavity was retained by a thoracic scan. Despite its rarity, our case raises the suspicion of primary pleural hydatidosis in the presence of a large pleural cyst and small daughter vesicles floating in the pleural cavity with deviation of the mediastinal structures and pleural effusion.