A rare case: Spontaneous gastric fistula from a hydatid cyst of the liver

Abstract

The hydatid cyst is a worldwide anthropozoonosis, which constitutes a health issue in Northern Africa. It may involve any organ, but it mostly affects the liver. This often asymptomatic disease can lead to multiple complications. Among them, spontaneous fistulization of a hepatic hydatid cyst in the stomach is exceptional even in endemic countries. We report the case of a 38-year-old female with febrile biliary colics due to a hydatid cyst of the liver fistulized in the stomach. The diagnosis was established based upon different clinical, biological and mainly radiological features. She received surgical treatment with satisfactory postoperative outcome.

Hydatid Cyst of the Liver: About a Case at the Digestive and General Surgery Department of the University Hospital of Bouaké (Côte d’Ivoire)

“…The evolution will be towardsinfectious, peritoneal, biliary, thoracic and gastric complications are present in 40% of cases. They are due to a rupture of the cyst, its infection or a compression of the neighboring organs [15] [16] [17] [18]. An infestation from childhood may not have clinical expression until adulthood and the discovery of the hydatid cyst is often fortuitous during an ultrasound.…”

Relevance of water‐lily sign of hepatic hydatid on ultrasound

“…High‐resolution ultrasound is the imaging modality of choice for the diagnosis of hepatic hydatid disease and to assess complications. Classification of hydatid disease is based on hepatic hydatid cyst classification of World Health Organization (Table 1) ranging from solid mass lesions to completely cystic lesions 3 . The wall of the hydatid cyst comprises an inner germinal membrane, the middle‐laminated membrane and an outer pericyst 4 .…”

“…Classification of hydatid disease is based on hepatic hydatid cyst classification of World Health Organization (Table 1) ranging from solid mass lesions to completely cystic lesions. 3 The wall of the hydatid cyst comprises an inner germinal membrane, the middle-laminated membrane and an outer pericyst. 4 The 'water-lily sign' also known as 'camalote sign' represents the transitional stage between the active and inactive or degenerative stages of hepatic hydatid cysts.…”