Ruptured Hydatid Cyst Causing Tension Pneumothorax

Hydatid cysts are parasitic infections caused by Echinococcus granulosus. Most of the cysts are asymptomatic. They most commonly involve the liver and lungs. The most common complication of hydatid cyst of the lung is the rupture of the cyst into a bronchus. Tension pneumothorax due to a ruptured hydatid cyst, on the other hand, is a very rare complication. We present in this paper a rare case with a hydatid cyst rupturing into the pleural cavity, causing tension pneumothorax. A 7-year-old girl presented with dyspnea, tachypnea, cyanosis, and tachycardia. Tension pneumothorax and a central lesion with a homogenous, smooth wall were detected. CT following tube thoracostomy revealed a ruptured hydatid cyst. The patient underwent cystotomy, closure of bronchial ostia, capitonnage, and partial decortication with posterolateral thoracotomy