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Case Reports
. 2025 Jul 13;17(7):e87838.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.87838. eCollection 2025 Jul.

Dormant No More: Traumatic Rupture of a Liver Hydatid Cyst Causing Anaphylaxis

Hamed Aljanaahi  1 , Omar Farooq Al-Nahhas  2   1 , Fatima M Alameri  1 , Muneer Al Marzooqi  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Dormant No More: Traumatic Rupture of a Liver Hydatid Cyst Causing Anaphylaxis

Hamed Aljanaahi et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Hydatid disease, caused by Echinococcus granulosus, commonly affects the liver. Traumatic cyst rupture is rare, and when complicated by anaphylaxis, it poses a life-threatening emergency. A 33-year-old male patient presented with severe abdominal and chest pain after falling from a height. Imaging revealed multiple hepatic hydatid cysts, one of which ruptured. Shortly after the CT scan, the patient developed hypotension, erythema, pruritus, and throat tightness consistent with anaphylaxis. He was treated with epinephrine, corticosteroids, antihistamines, oxygen, and intravenous fluids, stabilized, and admitted for further care. This case illustrates a rare but serious complication of hydatid cyst rupture after trauma. Prompt recognition and interventions are essential, particularly in endemic areas.

Keywords: anaphylaxis; cyst rupture; echinococcus granulosus; hydatid disease; trauma-induced complication.

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Conflict of interest statement

Human subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve human participants or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Coronal CT image demonstrating multiple hydatid cysts within the liver
Figure 2
Figure 2. Axial CT image showing multiple hydatid cysts in the liver with one showing signs of rupture (indicated by the arrow)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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