Anaphylactic shock due to an unruptured hydatid cyst: A case report

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening reaction that usually occurs after exposure to an allergen. This case report describes a 29-year-old man who presented with anaphylaxis due to an unruptured hydatid cyst. Hydatid disease, caused by the parasitic tapeworm Echinococcus, usually manifests as cystic lesions in organs such as the liver and lungs. In this case, the patient exhibited sudden-onset anaphylaxis without any trauma or known allergen. Diagnostic imaging revealed an intact hydatid cyst without evidence of rupture. Despite intact walls, elevated intracystic pressure can lead to leakage of antigen-rich fluid into the bloodstream, triggering the reaction. This case presents a challenging diagnosis of a nontraumatic hydatid cyst leak, emphasizing the importance of early recognition and effective management of such cases, especially in endemic areas, to prevent potential morbidity and mortality. It underlines the need for increased clinical suspicion of hydatid disease in patients with unexplained anaphylaxis, even when the cyst wall appears intact on imaging.