Pancoast's syndrome following an intrapleural rupture of a hepatic echinococcus cyst

Abstract

A case of Pancoast's syndrome due to a hydatid cyst is described. The cyst developed secondarily, after intrapleural rupture of an echinococcus cyst situated in the liver. The patient was operated and the cyst excised. After the operation the pain in the shoulder and the arm disappeared immediately. The Horner's syndrome needed longer to subside. Three years after the operation there is still some constriction of the pupil of the right eye. The development of Pancoast's syndrome due to hydatid disease is very rare and this case--caused by a secondary cyst after intrapleural rupture of a similar hepatic echinococcus cyst--is the first described in the literature.