Ruptured pulmonary hydatid cyst: a case report

Ruptured pulmonary hydatid cyst (PHC) is an important clinical problem in endemic areas to echinococcal infection. Herein we present a rare case of ruptured PHC in an adolescent boy that was misdiagnosed as pulmonary tuberculosis in local health center. When sputum specimen was stained by acid-fast staining for detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, hooklets of Echinococcus granulosus were observed. A simple chest X-ray showed a multilobulated mass in the lower part of the left lung. Computed tomography scan verified existence of thick walled caviar lesion with irregular air–fluid level. The diagnosis was confirmed at the time of surgery. Misdiagnoses of PHC may even lead to irreparable damages. Therefore, accurate diagnosis is necessary to prevent severe complications.