Pulmonary Parasitic Embolization Caused by Micro Ruptured Hydatid Cyst: an Autopsy Case

Abstract

Echinococcosis generally remains asymptomatic for many years, but it can also be fatal if complications like cyst rupture or superinfection occur. It is highly uncommon for a macroscopically non-ruptured cyst to cause death, and its exact mechanism is unknown. In the literature, there are several cases with identical characteristics diagnosed by autopsy. This autopsy case has illustrated the death due to a micro ruptured hydatid cyst. The deceased's lung underwent microscopic inspection, and it revealed broad intraalveolar hemorrhage, edema, severe hyperemia, neutrophil stasis in the interstitial capillary lumens, and a large number of parasites in the capillary lumen. Anaphylaxis against cyst contents that leaked into the bloodstream from liver cysts and non-thrombotic pulmonary embolization were shown to be the causes of mortality. In countries where echinococcosis is endemic, echinococcosis should be considered in all cases of anaphylaxis and sudden death.