A Case of Multiple Intraperitoneal Cysts from Ruptured Hepatic Hydatid Cysts

Hydatid disease is a parasitic infestation caused by the larval form of the cestode worms Echinococcus. In humans, the most commonly affected organs are liver and lung. Most cysts remain clinically silent and are diagnosed incidentally or when complications occur. The incidence of hydatid disease is high in the Middle East, Australia, East and South Africa and Central Europe. In Korea, hydatid disease is rare and has been reported in a few cases. We experienced a case of multiple intraperitoneal cysts from ruptured hepatic hydatid cysts in a 35-year old man. His complaint was palpable abdominal mass and discomfort. Abdominal ultrasound and CT scan revealed multiple hepatic and intraperitoneal cysts. The surgical findings showed multiple cysts and daughter cysts. The pathologic finding of resected cyst was the characteristic pattern of outer thick laminated membrane and inner thin germinal layer. Albendazole was administrated for prophylatic purpose. (Korean J Gastroenterol 2007; 50:203-206)