Grand mal seizures: an unusual and puzzling primary presentation of ruptured hepatic hydatid cyst

Authors: MEYER, PHILIPPE G.¹; BONNEVILLE, CLAIRE¹; ORLIAGUET, GILLES A.¹; DESSEMME, PHILIPPE²; BLAKIME, PHILIPPE³; CARLI, PIERRE A.¹; REVILLON, YANN⁴

Source: Paediatric Anaesthesia, Volume 16, Number 6, June 2006 , pp. 676-679(4)

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

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Abstract:

Summary

We report a case of hepatic hydatidosis where the first clinical manifestations, generalized seizures after minor head and abdominal trauma, and delayed anaphylaxis, made the primary diagnosis difficult. Severe anaphylaxis has been reported as initial presentation of quiescent hepatic hydatidosis. In endemic areas, the diagnosis must be carefully ruled out in patients experiencing abrupt anaphylactic shock of uncertain etiology. The occurrence of unexplained vascular collapse after minor abdominal trauma in a patient originating from an endemic area should prompt the diagnosis and urgent treatment should be initiated; firstly emergency management of the anaphylactic shock and later, surgical treatment of the cysts.

Keywords: hepatic hydatid; anaphylaxis; seizures

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1460-9592.2005.01825.x

Affiliations: 1: Departments of Pediatric Anesthesia 2: Intensive Care 3: Radiology 4: Surgery Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, CHU Necker Enfants Malades et Faculté René Descartes Paris 5, Paris, France

Publication date: 2006-06-01