Intrabiliary rupture of hepatic echinococcal cyst

Echinococcal disease of the liver generally presents as single or multiple hepatic cysts. Rarely, these cysts may rupture into the biliary tree and cause cholangitis, biliary tract obstruction, or biliary colic. These complications are accompanied by high morbidity, and in the case of biliary tract obstruction, mortality rates as high as 50% have been reported. We present a woman with a hepatic echinococcal cyst, biliary colic, and transient jaundice, who proved to have echinococcal involvement of the biliary ducts and gall bladder. Prompt diagnosis of hydatid disease of the biliary tree allows the physician to institute rapid, appropriate medical and surgical treatment.