Spontaneous Intraperitoneal Rupture of Hydatid Cyst – A Case Report

Spontaneous rupture of a hydatid cyst into the abdomen is one of the severe complications of echinococcal infection in endemic areas. The incidence of hydatid cyst rupture into the abdomen resulting in anaphylaxis and secondary infections, is on the rise. Rupture can be fatal if not diagnosed and managed promptly. Here we report a middle-aged man with clinical suspicion of a hydatid cyst who denied further evaluation and presented to the OPD after 6 hours with severe abdominal pain. Imaging studies revealed a ruptured hydatid cyst in the intraperitoneal cavity. Intra peritoneal rupture is a serious life-threatening complication of a hydatid cyst. Therefore, it is essential to diagnose and manage patients with hydatid cysts promptly. Expediting medical management with adherence to treatment regimen and surgical interventions if and when required at the earliest is imperative for a good prognosis. 