Primary Pleural Hydatidosis Presenting as an Isolated Cough: A Rare Case Report

Abstract Background Hydatid disease is caused by Echinococcus granulosus organisms. The liver is the most affected organ followed by the lungs. The pleural cavity being the primary location of hydatid cysts is rare and should be discussed further. This paper documents a rare case of primary pleural hydatidosis which can present with a mere isolated cough followed by dyspnea. The diagnosis and surgical treatment along with post-operative medications are vital in this case. Case presentation We present a case of a 45-year-old who suffered from a cough for one week which did not subside after taking medications. This symptom was followed by dyspnea for which an X-ray was done which showed left-sided pleuraleffusion, a complication of pleural hydatidosis. Computed tomography was performed to confirm the diagnosis of primarypleural hydatidosis. It revealed multiple cysts in the pleural cavity without them being present at other sites. Blood work revealed eosinophilia which is significant in parasitic diseases. A left posterolateral thoracotomy was performed and the cysts were surgically removed. Additionally, empyemectomy and pleurectomy were done. The patient was then treated with anti-parasitic therapy and was advised to get X-rays during the follow-up visits. The X-rays were normal and indicated that there was no disease recurrence. Conclusion This case implies the significance of a cough of more than a week that is not relieved by medications. This should be carefully evaluated and followed in cases that have a rare diagnosis requiring surgery. A diagnosis of primary pleural hydatidosis with left-sided pleural effusion and atelectasis with mediastinal shift to the right side was made which was treated with a surgical procedure.