Portal Hypertension as a Rare Complication of Hydatid Cyst: Diagnosis and Management

Hydatid cyst of the liver is a significant health problem in endemic areas. Echinococcus granulosus has a better prognosis than E. alveolaris. Portal hypertension (pre-hepatic, hepatic, post-hepatic) is a very rare complication of hydatid cyst of liver. A literature search revealed only eleven publications on the subject. The mechanism depends on the cyst type and cyst location; with alveolar disease causing hepatic (cirrhosis) type of portal hypertension in the largest number of cases. Unilocular disease can also cause preand post-hepatic portal hypertension by localized obstruction, and is more amenable for surgical therapy. Computed tomography can identify certain specific signs of the post-hepatic type. A high index of suspicion should be reserved for patients of liver hydatidosis who develop gradual-onset ascites. PLACE OF STUDY/SOURCE Department of Surgery, Lady Hardinge Medical College and Associated Hospitals, Delhi, India, and Department of Pediatrics, University College of Medical Sciences and Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, Delhi, India.