Guwahati: A 28-year-old woman was saved from a potentially fatal condition after undergoing emergency surgery at Peerless Hospital in Guwahati for a ruptured pulmonary hydatid cyst complicated by anaphylactic shock, hospital officials said.
The patient was admitted on July 1, 2025, presenting with fever, chills, severe breathing difficulty, and coughing up profuse liquid.
On arrival, she was in shock, with low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and respiratory distress, although her oxygen saturation was maintained with nasal oxygen support.
Immediate ICU care was initiated, including steroids, antibiotics, intravenous fluids, and mild inotropic support.
Diagnostic tests revealed an enlarged liver and spleen with multiple cystic lesions, while a CT scan of the chest showed an 8.5 x 9 cm thick-walled cavitary lesion with air-fluid levels in the left lung and mild pleural effusion.
The patient had a history of multiple pulmonary and hepatic hydatid cysts and had been on oral Albendazole therapy for two months.
After stabilization, the medical team led by Dr. Asif Iqbal Hussain (Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine), Dr. Jyoti Prasad Kalita (CTVS Surgeon), and Dr. Vandana Sinha (Senior Consultant, Critical Care) performed excision and marsupialisation of the ruptured cyst on July 3.
The patient recovered well post-surgery and was discharged in stable condition on July 6, continuing oral Albendazole therapy.
Speaking on the success, Dr. Gautam Das, CEO of Peerless Hospital, said, “This case demonstrates the skill and teamwork of our clinicians. At Peerless, we are committed to providing affordable, high-quality healthcare close to home.”
Dr. Hussain emphasized the urgency of early intervention in ruptured pulmonary hydatid cysts, stating, “Timely stabilization and surgical treatment are critical. Surgery remains the gold standard, aimed at removing the cyst while preserving lung function.”
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He also highlighted the need for awareness, noting that hydatid cysts are still prevalent in developing regions and early diagnosis is key.
Hydatid cyst disease, caused by the parasite Echinococcus granulosus, primarily affects the liver and lungs.
While uncomplicated cases are often detected through imaging, rupture can trigger life-threatening anaphylactic reactions.
The successful management of this complex case underscores Peerless Hospital Guwahati’s expertise in handling critical thoracic emergencies and its commitment to advanced medical care in the region.
