Colonic obstruction caused by calcified hepatic hydatid cyst migrated into the left colon

We report a case of hydatid liver disease complicated by migration of an entire calcified cyst into the colon, with subsequent intestinal obstruction.

A 64-year-old man, known to have a calcified asymptomatic hydatid cyst of hepatic segment IV, presented with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. He was in poor general condition. The abdomen was diffusely tender without guarding and rebound, and there were no palpable masses. A computed tomography (CT) scan showed colonic distention caused by a 6-cm intraluminal ovoidal cystic mass with peripheral calcification in the sigmoid colon ([Fig. 1]); the previously reported hepatic hydatid cyst had disappeared and was replaced by a slight hypodensity in continuity with the right colonic flexure, suggestive of a hepatic–colonic fistula ([Fig. 2]).

At sigmoidoscopy the cyst was stuck to the mucosa that presented erosions due to decubitus. Under general anesthesia the cyst was fragmented and removed using endoscopic instruments ([Figs. 3] and [Figs. 4]). This led to resolution of the obstruction. A colonoscopy was repeated after bowel preparation and this showed a large fistula between the hepatic flexure and the liver. No biliary leakage was observed.

Fig. 1 Computed tomography (CT) scan showing a large ovoidal mass with peripheral calcification within the sigmoid colon.

Fig. 2 CT scan showing the hepatic colonic fistula (arrow).

Fig. 3 Endoscopic appearance of the cyst in the sigmoid colon and fragmentation by a lithotripter.

Fig. 4 The cyst after partial fragmentation.

After a 15-month follow-up the patient was well and CT scan and colonoscopy showed a closure of the hepatic–colonic fistula.

Hydatid cysts may localize almost anywhere in the body [1] [2] [3], but the majority develop in the liver (65 %) and lungs (25 %) [4]. Intraluminal colonic localization of a hydatid cyst has been reported [5] but the primitive origin of the cyst was not documented and a fistula was not described. Moreover, there was no evidence of obstruction and no treatments were required.

Migration of an entire 6-cm calcified cyst into the colonic lumen through a documented hepatic–colonic fistula and subsequent intestinal obstruction with the same mechanism as a biliary ileus, has never been reported.

Competing interests: None

Endoscopy_UCTN_Code_CCL_1AD_2AI

Endoscopy_UCTN_Code_CCL_1AD_2AJ

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