Pulmonary Hydatid Cyst and Aspergillus Coexistence in a Child with Acute Leukemia: a Rare Case Report

Introduction

Fungal infections are known to colonize the pre-existing lung cavities formed as a result of diseases like tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, bronchiectasis, and cavitary neoplasia, mostly encountered in immunocompromised patients (Pandey P et al. Ghana Med J 2013;47:148–152). Hydatid cyst (HC) is a common zoonosis caused by larval forms of tapeworms called Echinococcus. Various organisms can superinfect hydatid cysts depending upon their location. Aspergillus superinfection may develop in pulmonary hydatid cysts (Morar R et al. Eur Respir J 2003;21:1069–1077). Pulmonary HC with co-existing aspergillosis is rare. Although it has been reported more commonly in adults, very rare pediatric cases have been reported in the literature (Emiralioglu N et al. TuberkToraks 2017;65:157–160). Immunosuppression and pulmonary HC are important risk factors for the opportunistic pathogen pulmonary aspergillosis. However, the coexistence of pulmonary HC and Aspergillus in a child with leukemia has not been presented before. In this article which is the first pediatric case reported in the literature, we present a child case who developed Aspergillus superinfection while following up with the diagnosis of acute leukemia and pulmonary HC.

Publication History

Article published online:
04 October 2022