Management of Hydatid Cysts in Pregnancy: A Report of Two Cases and a Review of Literature

Abstract

Human hydatidosis is a parasitic infection by the larval stages of the Echinococcus (E.) that rarely occurs in pregnancy (1/20, 000-30 000). Canines are the definitive host while humans are the accidental host. They most often affect the liver (60%) and lungs (30%). E. granulosus causes cystic echinococcosis and is the most frequent form. E. multilocularis causes alveolar echinococcosis and is becoming increasingly more common. E. infections often remain asymptomatic for years before the cysts grow large enough to cause symptoms. Hepatic and pulmonary signs and symptoms are the most common clinical manifestations. There is no consensus on their management in pregnancy. We report two pregnancies complicated by hydatid disease of the liver and lung, discuss their problematic management, and review the recent literature.