Pulmonary and Hepatic Echinococcosis with Eosinophilic Pneumonitis in an Expatriate Traveler

Echinococcus granulosus is a zoonotic parasitic disease that affects populations with endemic exposure in sheep-raising communities worldwide and is rarely observed in travelers. Humans become accidental intermediate hosts after inadvertently ingesting parasite eggs, which form progressively enlarging cysts, most commonly in the liver or lungs. Pulmonary cystic echinococcosis poses significant management challenges, as cyst rupture may result in anaphylaxis, broncho-pleural fistulas, and seeding of the thoracic cavity. Peripheral eosinophilia is a potential marker for cyst leakage and is associated with an increased risk of complications. A case of an expatriate traveler with hepatic and bilateral pulmonary echinococcosis, complicated by robust eosinophilic pneumonitis requiring emergent surgical intervention and prolonged corticosteroids, is presented in the current study.