Dispatches
Cutaneous fistula of liver echinococcal cyst previously misdiagnosed as fistulizated rib osteomyelitis Kirien T Kjossev, Ivan L Teodosiev Departments of Abdominal Surgery, Military Medical Academy, Sofia, Bulgaria, Southeastern Europe
ABSTRACT
KEY WORDS Complications, cutaneous fistula, echinococcosis, surgery
External fistulization or subcutaneous rupture of liver echinococcal cyst (EC) is found occasionally with total of 15 cases reported in the literature. We report a case of 60‑year‑old female previously misdiagnosed as fistulizated osteomyelitis of the 11th rib. At computed tomography scan, non‑vital EC was noted in the third liver segment. Under suspicion of external fistulization of perforated EC the patient underwent one‑stage operation‑pericystectomy and complete fistula excision. A retrospective analysis of the reported cases in the literature was performed with special references to classifying this rare entity. The main purpose of this report is to highlight the possibility of such a diagnosis when cutaneous fistula occurs in a same anatomic area with hydatid EC, even that cyst is proven to be calcified. We emphasize the role of a swift and radical surgical procedure including complete fistula excision to prevent secondary dissemination and post‑operative complications.
Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a parasitic infection caused by Echinococcus granulosus. Echinococcal cyst (EC) may develop in any organ or tissue in human body. Most often the disease affects liver (50‑70%) and lungs (20‑30%).[1] Patients are usually asymptomatic until incidentally diagnosed or when the complications such as cyst rupture or infection occur. EC can rupture into bile ducts, gastrointestinal tract, bronchi, peritoneal, and pleural cavity. Subcutaneous progression and/or rupture followed by external cutaneous fistula are complication rarely observed. Address for correspondence Dr. Kirien T Kjossev, Department of Abdominal Surgery, Military Medical Academy, 3 Georgi Sofijski Blvd., 1606 Sofia, PO Box 159, Bulgaria, Southeastern Europe. E‑mail: [email protected] Access this article online Quick Response Code:
Website: www.tropicalparasitology.org DOI: 10.4103/2229-5070.122150
Tropical Parasitology
THE CASE A 60‑year‑old female was admitted to the Department of Abdominal Surgery with complaints of abdominal pain and persistent abdominal fistula with purulent secretion. The patient had previous history of three operations for the presence of cutaneous abdominal fistula. 11‑years ago rib resection of the 11th left rib was made with diagnosis of osteomyelitis. On the 5th and the 7th year, after rib resection local excisions of recurrent fistula was performed. She had also history of treated pulmonary tuberculosis – 10 years ago. At admission computed tomography (CT) was performed and it revealed a hypodense circulated mass with diameter of 5 cm [Figure 1]. The formation was located at liver segment three and it was interpreted as non‑vital parasitic cyst with calcified walls and collapsed inner membrane. Other finding from CT scan was diffuse inflammatory process of abdominal wall, which correspond with the presence of external fistula. There was no evidence for the correlation between cyst and abdominal fistula especially after previous medical history for treated rib osteomyelitis, but despite that it was suspected. Physical examination revealed skin defect with purulent secretion in the area of an old surgical cicatrix at the level of the cross point of left medioclavicular line and left 11th rib. No 161
Jul 2013 | Volume 3 | Issue 2 |
Kjossev and Teodosiev: Cutaneous fistula of liver echinococcal cyst
history of fever and jaundice was present. Blood analysis and liver profile revealed no abnormalities. White blood cells count was normal. Quantiferonic tuberculosis test was negative. Serological enzyme‑linked immuno sorbent assay test was not performed.
echinococcal cysts (LEC) may stay symptom‑free for years until incidentally diagnosed or complications occurred. The main complications are rupture into the peritoneal cavity, infection, compression of the biliary tree, intrabiliary rupture, anaphylaxis, and secondary echinococcosis.[1] Cutaneous fistulization is an extremely rare complication of LEC determining the final stage of cutaneous involvement in liver echinococcosis. Recent review of the literature in this topic covers 15 previous publications whit a total of 16 reported cases in English, French, German, and Russian literature.[2] Only eight of the reviewed cases were presented as skin fistulization of LEC.[2‑9] Another four cases of LEC were resulted in subcutaneous rupture without fistula of the skin,[10‑13] in three cases cutaneous involvement was due to alveolar echinococcosis,[14‑16] and one case illustrated skin involvement of EC of the spleen.[17] To the best of our knowledge, the total number of reported cases concerning skin fistulization in liver echinococcosis is 15.[2‑9,18‑24] Two of them are cutaneous‑cysto‑bronchial fistulization of LEC [9,20] and single report describes communication of LEC with the skin and the biliary tract and bronchi. [6] We found six additional case reports for subcutaneous rupture of EC without skin fistula opening.[24‑29] There are also single case report about spontaneous cyst‑cutaneous fistula caused by pulmonary EC,[30] one case report about EC of the rib with cutaneous fistulization[31] and two reported cases of subcutaneous extension of diaphragmatic EC.[32,33] The case we presented is 16th in the world literature describing skin fistulization in LEC and it is first in our country. It is our opinion that this rare condition could be defined as last stage of parietal complication of some form of liver echinococcosis. Depending on the time of diagnosis and/or treatment, cyst may protrude into abdominal wall in each of its layers – muscles (Stage I), subcutaneous tissue (Stage II), and formation of skin fistula (Stage III). The collected data from the literature is summarized in Table 1.
The patient was assessed as suitable candidate for one‑stage procedure ‑ cystectomy and fistula excision. After median laparotomy, exploration and debridement was discovered intimate attachment between echinococcal cyst and abdominal wall. Then in external fistula opening was placed a probe, which revealed communication with the cyst [Figure 2]. Before the dissection of cystic lesions (CL) cyst fluid was aspirated and hypertonic saline solution was injected into the cyst as well as the fistulous tract was irrigated. Pericystectomy and excision of the fistula tract was performed. Opening of the operative specimen revealed heterogenous degenerative contents of the cyst with calcification of its wall, but 10‑12 small (0.5 mm × 0.5 mm) daughter cysts along the fistulous tract of approximately 15 cm. After an uneventful period of 6 days after surgery the patient was discharged from the unit. Post‑operatively the patient underwent one course of antiparisitic therapy with albendazole 10 mg/kg. One year after surgery the patient was free of any symptoms. CONCLUSIONS In CE infected humans are median host of the parasite’s live cycle. The way of infection is alimentary. Through the gastrointestinal tract the parasite passes into the bloodstream and then by portal system it reaches the liver where it grows as cyst. E. granulosus may infest any organ, but most commonly affects the liver and the lungs. Basically liver echinococcosis is a disease with benign nature. The main problem is high rates of morbidity and recurrences. Patients with liver
Figure 1: Computed tomography showing echinococcal cyst in the left lobe of the liver and inflammatory process of abdominal, wall which correspond with the presence of fistulous tract Jul 2013 | Volume 3 | Issue 2 |
Figure 2: Probe placed through the external opening of the fistula 162
Tropical Parasitology
Kjossev and Teodosiev: Cutaneous fistula of liver echinococcal cyst
Involvement of the abdominal wall in LEC is still unknown. The progressive growth of the cysts, their tendency to erode the organs and tissues with which they come into contact, and their infection could explain the unusual evolution of some of the cysts located in the liver margins. The damaging effect of the cyst on the abdominal wall progresses with time, developing from close adherence to penetration through the muscles, subcutaneous rupture and/or fistula formation. Usually, cysts originating from the right hepatic lobe invade the right lateral abdominal wall or cysts from the left lobe invade the anterior abdominal wall. Cyst usually passes through small orifice adopting an “hourglass configuration.”[12,26] Spontaneous skin fistulization is possible and has been described.[2‑9,18‑24] Lewall and McCorkell had classified the rupture of LEC into three categories: Contained, communicating, and direct.[34] Contained rupture occurs when only the endocyst ruptures and the cyst contents remain confined to the intact pericyst. Endocyst detachment is seen at cross‑sectional imaging as floating membrane within the cyst. Communicating rupture consists of a rupture of the endocyst with the escape of cyst contents into bronchioles or biliary radicals that are incorporated into the pericyst. Direct rupture is when both the endocyst and pericyst tear, causing a leakage of contents into the pleural or peritoneal cavities or other adjacent tissues and may
cause various complications that is anaphylactic shock, secondary bacterial infection. Moreover, in the majority of cases suppuration precedes rupture. Because of increasing intracystic tension with the onset of suppuration and the direct destruction of tissue by this process, all layers rupture and fistulization takes place. The complete rupture reduces the turgor of the cyst, which then decreases in size or collapses. The challenge in our case laid in its clinical presentation. At the most sensitive means of diagnosing cyst rupture ‑ CT scan, a collapse of the cyst inner membrane was observed as well as cyst perforation and cysto‑cutaneous fistula formation. Thus, our case should be classified as direct rupture of LEC. Recent progress in our knowledge regarding CE led to development and introducing the standardized ultrasound classification proposed by World Health Organization‑Informal Working Group on Echinococcosis (World Health Organization Informal Working Groups on Echinococcosis [WHO‑IWGE]).[1] According to this classification based on sonographic analysis of the morphology and structure of the hydatid cysts five categories are recognized. This classification reflects the functional state of the parasite that facilitates
Table 1: Parietal complications of liver echinococcal cysts Stage
Clinical presentation
Site of origin and type of EC
Authors/ref. no.
Year
I
Rupture into abdominal wall, psoas muscle and subcutaneous tissue Subcutaneous rupture Subcutaneous rupture Subcutaneous protrusion Subcutaneous rupture Subcutaneous rupture and abscess Subcutaneous rupture Subcutaneous rupture and abscess Subcutaneous rupture Subcutaneous rupture Cutaneous fistula Cutaneous fistula Cutaneous fistula Cutaneous fistula Cutaneous fistula Cutaneous fistula Cutaneous fistula Cutaneous fistula Cutaneous fistula Cutaneous fistula Bliliaro‑broncho‑cutaneous fistula Cutaneous cysto‑hepato‑bronchial fistula Cutaneous fistula Cutaneous fistula Cutaneous cysto‑hepato‑bronchial fistula
Single liver cyst
En‑Nafaa, et al.[27]
2011
Single liver cyst Multiple liver cysts Recurrent single liver cyst, seg. 6 Single liver cyst, right lobe Liver right lobe, seg. 5‑7 Liver right lobe Single liver cyst right lobe Liver Liver Recurrent liver cyst, seg. 8 Liver cyst Recurrent single liver cyst Liver cysts, seg. 5‑8 Infected liver cyst, seg. 4 Single liver cyst Single liver cyst Right lobe of the liver Recurrent two liver cysts Single liver cyst, seg. 5 Liver right lobe, seg. 8 Liver cyst Liver right lobe, seg. 7‑8 Liver Liver right lobe, seg. 6‑7
Bouassida, et al.[24] Islam, et al.[28] Di Cataldo, et al.[26] Bedioui, et al.[10] Salerno, et al.[11] Parmar, et al.[12] Vahedian‑Ardakani[29] Bazarov and Khadzhimatov[13] Borras[25] Hamid, et al.[22] Ben Ameur, et al.[23] Bouassida, et al.[24] Korwar, et al.[2] Yakan, et al.[18] Ali, et al.[19] Florea, et al.[3] Sakorafas, et al.[4] Bastid, et al.[21] Grigy‑Guillaumot, et al.[5] Selmi, et al.[6] Harandou, et al.[20] Berthet and Assadourian[7] Golematis, et al.[8] Kehila, et al.[9]
2012 2011 2009 2006 2006 2001 1997 1984 1958 2012 2012 2012 2011 2009 2009 2008 2006 2005 2004 2001 1997 1992 1991 1987
II
III
EC: Echinococcal cyst Tropical Parasitology
163
Jul 2013 | Volume 3 | Issue 2 |
Kjossev and Teodosiev: Cutaneous fistula of liver echinococcal cyst
selection of treatment modalities. Types CL, CE1, and CE2 represent the active cysts; types CE4 and CE5 are suggestive of inactive cysts; type CE3, transitional, starting to degenerate cyst. The proposal of a consensus WHO classification by the IWGE is a major step forward; its wide application should allow standardization of treatment indications and their evaluation in the future. Unfortunately, as in our case, when the complication of the cyst still developed, morphology and structure of the cyst did not reflect the functional state of the parasite. We found cyst of type CE4, but fistulous tract with more than 10 viable daughter cysts.
procedure including complete fistula excision to prevent the secondary dissemination and post‑operative complications. REFERENCES 1. Brunetti E, Kern P, Vuitton DA, Writing Panel for the WHO‑IWGE. Expert consensus for the diagnosis and treatment of cystic and alveolar echinococcosis in humans. Acta Trop 2010;114:1‑16. 2. Korwar V, Subhas G, Gaddikeri P, Shivaswamy BS. Hydatid disease presenting as cutaneous fistula: Review of a rare clinical presentation. Int Surg 2011;96:69‑73. 3. Florea M, Barbu ST, Crisan M, Silaghi H, Butnaru A, Lupsor M. Spontaneous external fistula of a hydatid liver cyst in a diabetic patient. Chirurgia (Bucur) 2008;103:695‑8. 4. Sakorafas GH, Stafyla V, Kassaras G. Spontaneous cyst‑cutaneous fistula: An extremely rare presentation of hydatid liver cyst. Am J Surg 2006;192:205‑6. 5. Grigy‑Guillaumot C, Yzet T, Flamant M, Bartoli E, Lagarde V, Brazier F, et al. Cutaneous fistulization of a liver hydatid cyst. Gastroenterol Clin Biol 2004;28:819‑20. 6. Selmi M, Kharrat MM, Larbi N, Mosbah M, Ben Salah K. Communication of an hydatid cyst of the liver with the skin and the biliary tract and bronchi. Ann Chir 2001;126:595‑7. 7. Berthet B, Assadourian R. Hydatid cyst of the liver disclosed by metastatic subcutaneous localization. Presse Med 1992;21:952. 8. G o l e m a t i s B C , Ka r ka n i a s G G , S a ko r a f a s G H , Panoussopoulos D. Cutaneous fistula of hydatid cyst of the liver. J Chir (Paris) 1991;128:439‑40. 9. Kehila M, Allègue M, Abdesslem M, Letaief R, Saïd R, Ben Hadj Hamida R, et al. Spontaneous cutaneous‑cystic‑hepatic‑bronchial fistula due to an hydatid cyst. Tunis Med 1987;65:267‑70. 10. Bedioui H, Ayadi S, Nouira K, Bakhtri M, Jouini M, Ftériche E, et al. Subcutaneous rupture of hydatid cyst of liver: Dealing with a rare observation. Med Trop (Mars) 2006;66:488‑90. 11. Salerno S, Cracolici E, Lo Casto A. Subcutaneous rupture of hepatic hydatid cyst: CT findings. Dig Liver Dis 2006;38:619‑20. 12. Parmar H, Nagarajan G, Supe A. Subcutaneous rupture of hepatic hydatid cyst. Scand J Infect Dis 2001;33:870‑2. 13. Bazarov AKh, Khadzhimatov G. Echinococcosis of subcutaneous fatty tissue. Vestn Khir Im I I Grek 1984;133:80‑1. 14. Ambo M, Adachi K, Ohkawara A. Postoperative alveolar hydatid disease with cutaneous‑subcutaneous involvement. J Dermatol 1999;26:343‑7. 15. Bresson‑Hadni S, Humbert P, Paintaud G, Auer H, Lenys D, Laurent R, et al. Skin localization of alveolar echinococcosis of the liver. J Am Acad Dermatol 1996;34:873‑7. 16. Tschudi K, Ammann R. Recurrent chest wall abscess. Result of a probable percutaneous infection with Echinococcus multilocularis following a dormouse bite. Schweiz Med Wochenschr 1988;118:1011‑5. 17. Kismet K, Ozcan AH, Sabuncuoglu MZ, Gencay C, Kilicoglu B, Turan C, et al. A rare case: Spontaneous cutaneous fistula of infected splenic hydatid cyst. World J Gastroenterol 2006;12:2633‑5.
In general, the majority of classifications of CE are based on imaging features. Proposed by us TN(R)C classification for LEC is a comprehensive system based on four criteria: Topographic location (T), natural history (N), recurrence (R) and complications (C) of the cyst.[35] The TN(R)C classification system is optimally descriptive and is very important and useful for our institutional data comparison and permits extensive statistical analysis. According to this classification, our case was classified as T3N4R0C6 (six points or clinical staging of Grade 2)[36] as grade of the cyst reflects the grade of the complication. We agree that different forms of hydatid liver cysts should be evaluated separately.[37] Moreover, this case presenting one of the 18‑25% reported complicated cases of LEC in the literature that are not suitable to classify by any other classification system. It is not possible to conclude from the present case that the classification described is better than those proposed by WHO; only a randomized, controlled trial would resolve this issue. We are aware of the limitations and potential biases of a descriptive design related to evidence‑based medical practice. As a rule, an uncommon manifestation of LEC makes the carrying out of other methodological designs more difficult because of the limited number of cases. The difficulties with diagnosis and the severe progress of the disease render complicated liver EC of special clinical interest. The appropriate treatment is determined by several factors; however, surgery is clearly indicated in cysts of any type that have any form of complication. Complete resection of the cyst along with the fistulous tract was feasible for our patient with a familiar procedure ‑ fistulectomy, without any unexpected difficulties encountered during the operation. The infrequency of EC fistulization may lead to misdiagnosis. The main purpose of this report is to highlight the possibility of such a diagnosis when cutaneous fistula occurs in a same anatomic area with EC even that cyst is proven to be calcified. Moreover, we emphasize the role of a swift and the radical surgical Jul 2013 | Volume 3 | Issue 2 |
164
Tropical Parasitology
Kjossev and Teodosiev: Cutaneous fistula of liver echinococcal cyst
18. Yakan S, Yildirim M, Coker A. Spontaneous cutaneous fistula of infected liver hydatid cyst. Turk J Gastroenterol 2009;20:299‑300. 19. Ali AA, Sall I, El Kaoui H, Zentar A, Sair K. Cutaneous fistula of a liver hydatid cyst. Presse Med 2009;38:e27‑8. 20. Harandou M, el Idrissi F, Alaziz S, Cherkaoui M, Halhal A. Spontaneous cutaneous cysto‑hepato‑bronchial fistula caused by a hydatid cyst. Apropos of a case. J Chir (Paris) 1997;134:31‑4. 21. Bastid C, Pirro N, Sahel J. Cutaneous fistulation of a liver hydatid cyst. Gastroenterol Clin Biol 2005;29:748‑9. 22. Hamid R, Shera AH, Bhat NA, Baba AA, Rashid A, Akhter A. Hydatid cyst of liver: Spontaneous rupture and cystocutaneous fistula formation in a child. J Indian Assoc Pediatr Surg 2012;17:73‑4. 23. Ben Ameur H, Trigui A, Boujelbène S, Beyrouti MI. Cutaneous fistula due to hydatid cyst of the liver. Ann Dermatol Venereol 2012;139:292‑3. 24. Bouassida M, Sassi S, Mighri MM, Laajili A, Chebbi F, Chtourou MF, et al. Parietal complications of hydatid cyst of the liver. Report of two cases in Tunisia. Bull Soc Pathol Exot 2012;105:259‑61. 25. Borras JA. Subcutaneous rupture of a hydatid cyst of the liver. Med Esp 1958;40:344‑51. 26. Di Cataldo A, Latino R, Cocuzza A, Li Destri G. Unexplainable development of a hydatid cyst. World J Gastroenterol 2009;15:3309‑11. 27. En‑Nafaa I, Moujahid M, Alahyane A, Amil T, Hanine A, Ziadi T. Hydatid cyst of the liver ruptured into the abdominal wall and the psoas muscle: Report of a rare observation. Pan Afr Med J 2011;10:3. 28. Islam MN, Khan NA, Haque SS, Hossain M, Ahad MA. Hepatic hydatid cyst presenting as cutaneous abscess. Mymensingh Med J 2012;21:165‑9. 29. Vahedian‑Ardakani J. Hydatid cyst of the liver presenting as cutaneous abscesses. Ann Saudi Med
Tropical Parasitology
1997;17:235‑6. 30. Onat S, Avci A, Ulku R, Ozcelik C. Spontaneous cyst‑cutaneous fistula caused by pulmonary hydatid cyst: An extremely rare case. Dicle Tip Derg 2008;35:280. 31. Chafik A, Benjelloun A, El Khadir A, El Barni R, Achour A, Ait Benasser MA. Hydatid cyst of the rib: A new case and review of the literature. Case Rep Med 2009;2009:817205. 32. Marinis A, Fragulidis G, Karapanos K, Konstantinidis C, Brestas P, Vassiliou J, et al. Subcutaneous extension of a large diaphragmatic hydatid cyst. World J Gastroenterol 2006;12:7210‑2. 33. Gümüş M, Yağmur Y, Gümüş H, Kapan M, Onder A, Böyük A. Primary hydatid disease of diaphragm with subcutenous extension. J Infect Dev Ctries 2011;5:599‑602. 34. Lewall DB, McCorkell SJ. Rupture of echinococcal cysts: Diagnosis, classification, and clinical implications. AJR Am J Roentgenol 1986;146:391‑4. 35. Kjossev KT, Losanoff JE. Classification of hydatid liver cysts. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2005;20:352‑9. 36. Kjossev K, Belokonski E, Vladov N. TN (R) C points system for cystic echinococcosis: Clinical evaluating and monitoring of the disease. Proceedings of 44 th Congress of the European Society for Surgical Research Nîmes, France/May 20‑23. Monduzzi Editore; 2009. p. 61‑4. 37. Kayaalp C. Hydatid disease of the liver. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2005;20:331. How to cite this article: Kjossev KT, Teodosiev IL. Cutaneous fistula of liver echinococcal cyst previously misdiagnosed as fistulizated rib osteomyelitis. Trop Parasitol 2013;3:161-5. Source of Support: Nil. Conflict of Interest: None declared. DOA: 08-04-2013, DOP: ***
165
Jul 2013 | Volume 3 | Issue 2 |
Copyright of Tropical Parasitology is the property of Medknow Publications & Media Pvt. Ltd. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use.
Cutaneous fistula of liver echinococcal cyst previously misdiagnosed as fistulizated rib osteomyelitis Kirien T Kjossev, Ivan L Teodosiev Departments of Abdominal Surgery, Military Medical Academy, Sofia, Bulgaria, Southeastern Europe
ABSTRACT
KEY WORDS Complications, cutaneous fistula, echinococcosis, surgery
External fistulization or subcutaneous rupture of liver echinococcal cyst (EC) is found occasionally with total of 15 cases reported in the literature. We report a case of 60‑year‑old female previously misdiagnosed as fistulizated osteomyelitis of the 11th rib. At computed tomography scan, non‑vital EC was noted in the third liver segment. Under suspicion of external fistulization of perforated EC the patient underwent one‑stage operation‑pericystectomy and complete fistula excision. A retrospective analysis of the reported cases in the literature was performed with special references to classifying this rare entity. The main purpose of this report is to highlight the possibility of such a diagnosis when cutaneous fistula occurs in a same anatomic area with hydatid EC, even that cyst is proven to be calcified. We emphasize the role of a swift and radical surgical procedure including complete fistula excision to prevent secondary dissemination and post‑operative complications.
Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a parasitic infection caused by Echinococcus granulosus. Echinococcal cyst (EC) may develop in any organ or tissue in human body. Most often the disease affects liver (50‑70%) and lungs (20‑30%).[1] Patients are usually asymptomatic until incidentally diagnosed or when the complications such as cyst rupture or infection occur. EC can rupture into bile ducts, gastrointestinal tract, bronchi, peritoneal, and pleural cavity. Subcutaneous progression and/or rupture followed by external cutaneous fistula are complication rarely observed. Address for correspondence Dr. Kirien T Kjossev, Department of Abdominal Surgery, Military Medical Academy, 3 Georgi Sofijski Blvd., 1606 Sofia, PO Box 159, Bulgaria, Southeastern Europe. E‑mail: [email protected] Access this article online Quick Response Code:
Website: www.tropicalparasitology.org DOI: 10.4103/2229-5070.122150
Tropical Parasitology
THE CASE A 60‑year‑old female was admitted to the Department of Abdominal Surgery with complaints of abdominal pain and persistent abdominal fistula with purulent secretion. The patient had previous history of three operations for the presence of cutaneous abdominal fistula. 11‑years ago rib resection of the 11th left rib was made with diagnosis of osteomyelitis. On the 5th and the 7th year, after rib resection local excisions of recurrent fistula was performed. She had also history of treated pulmonary tuberculosis – 10 years ago. At admission computed tomography (CT) was performed and it revealed a hypodense circulated mass with diameter of 5 cm [Figure 1]. The formation was located at liver segment three and it was interpreted as non‑vital parasitic cyst with calcified walls and collapsed inner membrane. Other finding from CT scan was diffuse inflammatory process of abdominal wall, which correspond with the presence of external fistula. There was no evidence for the correlation between cyst and abdominal fistula especially after previous medical history for treated rib osteomyelitis, but despite that it was suspected. Physical examination revealed skin defect with purulent secretion in the area of an old surgical cicatrix at the level of the cross point of left medioclavicular line and left 11th rib. No 161
Jul 2013 | Volume 3 | Issue 2 |
Kjossev and Teodosiev: Cutaneous fistula of liver echinococcal cyst
history of fever and jaundice was present. Blood analysis and liver profile revealed no abnormalities. White blood cells count was normal. Quantiferonic tuberculosis test was negative. Serological enzyme‑linked immuno sorbent assay test was not performed.
echinococcal cysts (LEC) may stay symptom‑free for years until incidentally diagnosed or complications occurred. The main complications are rupture into the peritoneal cavity, infection, compression of the biliary tree, intrabiliary rupture, anaphylaxis, and secondary echinococcosis.[1] Cutaneous fistulization is an extremely rare complication of LEC determining the final stage of cutaneous involvement in liver echinococcosis. Recent review of the literature in this topic covers 15 previous publications whit a total of 16 reported cases in English, French, German, and Russian literature.[2] Only eight of the reviewed cases were presented as skin fistulization of LEC.[2‑9] Another four cases of LEC were resulted in subcutaneous rupture without fistula of the skin,[10‑13] in three cases cutaneous involvement was due to alveolar echinococcosis,[14‑16] and one case illustrated skin involvement of EC of the spleen.[17] To the best of our knowledge, the total number of reported cases concerning skin fistulization in liver echinococcosis is 15.[2‑9,18‑24] Two of them are cutaneous‑cysto‑bronchial fistulization of LEC [9,20] and single report describes communication of LEC with the skin and the biliary tract and bronchi. [6] We found six additional case reports for subcutaneous rupture of EC without skin fistula opening.[24‑29] There are also single case report about spontaneous cyst‑cutaneous fistula caused by pulmonary EC,[30] one case report about EC of the rib with cutaneous fistulization[31] and two reported cases of subcutaneous extension of diaphragmatic EC.[32,33] The case we presented is 16th in the world literature describing skin fistulization in LEC and it is first in our country. It is our opinion that this rare condition could be defined as last stage of parietal complication of some form of liver echinococcosis. Depending on the time of diagnosis and/or treatment, cyst may protrude into abdominal wall in each of its layers – muscles (Stage I), subcutaneous tissue (Stage II), and formation of skin fistula (Stage III). The collected data from the literature is summarized in Table 1.
The patient was assessed as suitable candidate for one‑stage procedure ‑ cystectomy and fistula excision. After median laparotomy, exploration and debridement was discovered intimate attachment between echinococcal cyst and abdominal wall. Then in external fistula opening was placed a probe, which revealed communication with the cyst [Figure 2]. Before the dissection of cystic lesions (CL) cyst fluid was aspirated and hypertonic saline solution was injected into the cyst as well as the fistulous tract was irrigated. Pericystectomy and excision of the fistula tract was performed. Opening of the operative specimen revealed heterogenous degenerative contents of the cyst with calcification of its wall, but 10‑12 small (0.5 mm × 0.5 mm) daughter cysts along the fistulous tract of approximately 15 cm. After an uneventful period of 6 days after surgery the patient was discharged from the unit. Post‑operatively the patient underwent one course of antiparisitic therapy with albendazole 10 mg/kg. One year after surgery the patient was free of any symptoms. CONCLUSIONS In CE infected humans are median host of the parasite’s live cycle. The way of infection is alimentary. Through the gastrointestinal tract the parasite passes into the bloodstream and then by portal system it reaches the liver where it grows as cyst. E. granulosus may infest any organ, but most commonly affects the liver and the lungs. Basically liver echinococcosis is a disease with benign nature. The main problem is high rates of morbidity and recurrences. Patients with liver
Figure 1: Computed tomography showing echinococcal cyst in the left lobe of the liver and inflammatory process of abdominal, wall which correspond with the presence of fistulous tract Jul 2013 | Volume 3 | Issue 2 |
Figure 2: Probe placed through the external opening of the fistula 162
Tropical Parasitology
Kjossev and Teodosiev: Cutaneous fistula of liver echinococcal cyst
Involvement of the abdominal wall in LEC is still unknown. The progressive growth of the cysts, their tendency to erode the organs and tissues with which they come into contact, and their infection could explain the unusual evolution of some of the cysts located in the liver margins. The damaging effect of the cyst on the abdominal wall progresses with time, developing from close adherence to penetration through the muscles, subcutaneous rupture and/or fistula formation. Usually, cysts originating from the right hepatic lobe invade the right lateral abdominal wall or cysts from the left lobe invade the anterior abdominal wall. Cyst usually passes through small orifice adopting an “hourglass configuration.”[12,26] Spontaneous skin fistulization is possible and has been described.[2‑9,18‑24] Lewall and McCorkell had classified the rupture of LEC into three categories: Contained, communicating, and direct.[34] Contained rupture occurs when only the endocyst ruptures and the cyst contents remain confined to the intact pericyst. Endocyst detachment is seen at cross‑sectional imaging as floating membrane within the cyst. Communicating rupture consists of a rupture of the endocyst with the escape of cyst contents into bronchioles or biliary radicals that are incorporated into the pericyst. Direct rupture is when both the endocyst and pericyst tear, causing a leakage of contents into the pleural or peritoneal cavities or other adjacent tissues and may
cause various complications that is anaphylactic shock, secondary bacterial infection. Moreover, in the majority of cases suppuration precedes rupture. Because of increasing intracystic tension with the onset of suppuration and the direct destruction of tissue by this process, all layers rupture and fistulization takes place. The complete rupture reduces the turgor of the cyst, which then decreases in size or collapses. The challenge in our case laid in its clinical presentation. At the most sensitive means of diagnosing cyst rupture ‑ CT scan, a collapse of the cyst inner membrane was observed as well as cyst perforation and cysto‑cutaneous fistula formation. Thus, our case should be classified as direct rupture of LEC. Recent progress in our knowledge regarding CE led to development and introducing the standardized ultrasound classification proposed by World Health Organization‑Informal Working Group on Echinococcosis (World Health Organization Informal Working Groups on Echinococcosis [WHO‑IWGE]).[1] According to this classification based on sonographic analysis of the morphology and structure of the hydatid cysts five categories are recognized. This classification reflects the functional state of the parasite that facilitates
Table 1: Parietal complications of liver echinococcal cysts Stage
Clinical presentation
Site of origin and type of EC
Authors/ref. no.
Year
I
Rupture into abdominal wall, psoas muscle and subcutaneous tissue Subcutaneous rupture Subcutaneous rupture Subcutaneous protrusion Subcutaneous rupture Subcutaneous rupture and abscess Subcutaneous rupture Subcutaneous rupture and abscess Subcutaneous rupture Subcutaneous rupture Cutaneous fistula Cutaneous fistula Cutaneous fistula Cutaneous fistula Cutaneous fistula Cutaneous fistula Cutaneous fistula Cutaneous fistula Cutaneous fistula Cutaneous fistula Bliliaro‑broncho‑cutaneous fistula Cutaneous cysto‑hepato‑bronchial fistula Cutaneous fistula Cutaneous fistula Cutaneous cysto‑hepato‑bronchial fistula
Single liver cyst
En‑Nafaa, et al.[27]
2011
Single liver cyst Multiple liver cysts Recurrent single liver cyst, seg. 6 Single liver cyst, right lobe Liver right lobe, seg. 5‑7 Liver right lobe Single liver cyst right lobe Liver Liver Recurrent liver cyst, seg. 8 Liver cyst Recurrent single liver cyst Liver cysts, seg. 5‑8 Infected liver cyst, seg. 4 Single liver cyst Single liver cyst Right lobe of the liver Recurrent two liver cysts Single liver cyst, seg. 5 Liver right lobe, seg. 8 Liver cyst Liver right lobe, seg. 7‑8 Liver Liver right lobe, seg. 6‑7
Bouassida, et al.[24] Islam, et al.[28] Di Cataldo, et al.[26] Bedioui, et al.[10] Salerno, et al.[11] Parmar, et al.[12] Vahedian‑Ardakani[29] Bazarov and Khadzhimatov[13] Borras[25] Hamid, et al.[22] Ben Ameur, et al.[23] Bouassida, et al.[24] Korwar, et al.[2] Yakan, et al.[18] Ali, et al.[19] Florea, et al.[3] Sakorafas, et al.[4] Bastid, et al.[21] Grigy‑Guillaumot, et al.[5] Selmi, et al.[6] Harandou, et al.[20] Berthet and Assadourian[7] Golematis, et al.[8] Kehila, et al.[9]
2012 2011 2009 2006 2006 2001 1997 1984 1958 2012 2012 2012 2011 2009 2009 2008 2006 2005 2004 2001 1997 1992 1991 1987
II
III
EC: Echinococcal cyst Tropical Parasitology
163
Jul 2013 | Volume 3 | Issue 2 |
Kjossev and Teodosiev: Cutaneous fistula of liver echinococcal cyst
selection of treatment modalities. Types CL, CE1, and CE2 represent the active cysts; types CE4 and CE5 are suggestive of inactive cysts; type CE3, transitional, starting to degenerate cyst. The proposal of a consensus WHO classification by the IWGE is a major step forward; its wide application should allow standardization of treatment indications and their evaluation in the future. Unfortunately, as in our case, when the complication of the cyst still developed, morphology and structure of the cyst did not reflect the functional state of the parasite. We found cyst of type CE4, but fistulous tract with more than 10 viable daughter cysts.
procedure including complete fistula excision to prevent the secondary dissemination and post‑operative complications. REFERENCES 1. Brunetti E, Kern P, Vuitton DA, Writing Panel for the WHO‑IWGE. Expert consensus for the diagnosis and treatment of cystic and alveolar echinococcosis in humans. Acta Trop 2010;114:1‑16. 2. Korwar V, Subhas G, Gaddikeri P, Shivaswamy BS. Hydatid disease presenting as cutaneous fistula: Review of a rare clinical presentation. Int Surg 2011;96:69‑73. 3. Florea M, Barbu ST, Crisan M, Silaghi H, Butnaru A, Lupsor M. Spontaneous external fistula of a hydatid liver cyst in a diabetic patient. Chirurgia (Bucur) 2008;103:695‑8. 4. Sakorafas GH, Stafyla V, Kassaras G. Spontaneous cyst‑cutaneous fistula: An extremely rare presentation of hydatid liver cyst. Am J Surg 2006;192:205‑6. 5. Grigy‑Guillaumot C, Yzet T, Flamant M, Bartoli E, Lagarde V, Brazier F, et al. Cutaneous fistulization of a liver hydatid cyst. Gastroenterol Clin Biol 2004;28:819‑20. 6. Selmi M, Kharrat MM, Larbi N, Mosbah M, Ben Salah K. Communication of an hydatid cyst of the liver with the skin and the biliary tract and bronchi. Ann Chir 2001;126:595‑7. 7. Berthet B, Assadourian R. Hydatid cyst of the liver disclosed by metastatic subcutaneous localization. Presse Med 1992;21:952. 8. G o l e m a t i s B C , Ka r ka n i a s G G , S a ko r a f a s G H , Panoussopoulos D. Cutaneous fistula of hydatid cyst of the liver. J Chir (Paris) 1991;128:439‑40. 9. Kehila M, Allègue M, Abdesslem M, Letaief R, Saïd R, Ben Hadj Hamida R, et al. Spontaneous cutaneous‑cystic‑hepatic‑bronchial fistula due to an hydatid cyst. Tunis Med 1987;65:267‑70. 10. Bedioui H, Ayadi S, Nouira K, Bakhtri M, Jouini M, Ftériche E, et al. Subcutaneous rupture of hydatid cyst of liver: Dealing with a rare observation. Med Trop (Mars) 2006;66:488‑90. 11. Salerno S, Cracolici E, Lo Casto A. Subcutaneous rupture of hepatic hydatid cyst: CT findings. Dig Liver Dis 2006;38:619‑20. 12. Parmar H, Nagarajan G, Supe A. Subcutaneous rupture of hepatic hydatid cyst. Scand J Infect Dis 2001;33:870‑2. 13. Bazarov AKh, Khadzhimatov G. Echinococcosis of subcutaneous fatty tissue. Vestn Khir Im I I Grek 1984;133:80‑1. 14. Ambo M, Adachi K, Ohkawara A. Postoperative alveolar hydatid disease with cutaneous‑subcutaneous involvement. J Dermatol 1999;26:343‑7. 15. Bresson‑Hadni S, Humbert P, Paintaud G, Auer H, Lenys D, Laurent R, et al. Skin localization of alveolar echinococcosis of the liver. J Am Acad Dermatol 1996;34:873‑7. 16. Tschudi K, Ammann R. Recurrent chest wall abscess. Result of a probable percutaneous infection with Echinococcus multilocularis following a dormouse bite. Schweiz Med Wochenschr 1988;118:1011‑5. 17. Kismet K, Ozcan AH, Sabuncuoglu MZ, Gencay C, Kilicoglu B, Turan C, et al. A rare case: Spontaneous cutaneous fistula of infected splenic hydatid cyst. World J Gastroenterol 2006;12:2633‑5.
In general, the majority of classifications of CE are based on imaging features. Proposed by us TN(R)C classification for LEC is a comprehensive system based on four criteria: Topographic location (T), natural history (N), recurrence (R) and complications (C) of the cyst.[35] The TN(R)C classification system is optimally descriptive and is very important and useful for our institutional data comparison and permits extensive statistical analysis. According to this classification, our case was classified as T3N4R0C6 (six points or clinical staging of Grade 2)[36] as grade of the cyst reflects the grade of the complication. We agree that different forms of hydatid liver cysts should be evaluated separately.[37] Moreover, this case presenting one of the 18‑25% reported complicated cases of LEC in the literature that are not suitable to classify by any other classification system. It is not possible to conclude from the present case that the classification described is better than those proposed by WHO; only a randomized, controlled trial would resolve this issue. We are aware of the limitations and potential biases of a descriptive design related to evidence‑based medical practice. As a rule, an uncommon manifestation of LEC makes the carrying out of other methodological designs more difficult because of the limited number of cases. The difficulties with diagnosis and the severe progress of the disease render complicated liver EC of special clinical interest. The appropriate treatment is determined by several factors; however, surgery is clearly indicated in cysts of any type that have any form of complication. Complete resection of the cyst along with the fistulous tract was feasible for our patient with a familiar procedure ‑ fistulectomy, without any unexpected difficulties encountered during the operation. The infrequency of EC fistulization may lead to misdiagnosis. The main purpose of this report is to highlight the possibility of such a diagnosis when cutaneous fistula occurs in a same anatomic area with EC even that cyst is proven to be calcified. Moreover, we emphasize the role of a swift and the radical surgical Jul 2013 | Volume 3 | Issue 2 |
164
Tropical Parasitology
Kjossev and Teodosiev: Cutaneous fistula of liver echinococcal cyst
18. Yakan S, Yildirim M, Coker A. Spontaneous cutaneous fistula of infected liver hydatid cyst. Turk J Gastroenterol 2009;20:299‑300. 19. Ali AA, Sall I, El Kaoui H, Zentar A, Sair K. Cutaneous fistula of a liver hydatid cyst. Presse Med 2009;38:e27‑8. 20. Harandou M, el Idrissi F, Alaziz S, Cherkaoui M, Halhal A. Spontaneous cutaneous cysto‑hepato‑bronchial fistula caused by a hydatid cyst. Apropos of a case. J Chir (Paris) 1997;134:31‑4. 21. Bastid C, Pirro N, Sahel J. Cutaneous fistulation of a liver hydatid cyst. Gastroenterol Clin Biol 2005;29:748‑9. 22. Hamid R, Shera AH, Bhat NA, Baba AA, Rashid A, Akhter A. Hydatid cyst of liver: Spontaneous rupture and cystocutaneous fistula formation in a child. J Indian Assoc Pediatr Surg 2012;17:73‑4. 23. Ben Ameur H, Trigui A, Boujelbène S, Beyrouti MI. Cutaneous fistula due to hydatid cyst of the liver. Ann Dermatol Venereol 2012;139:292‑3. 24. Bouassida M, Sassi S, Mighri MM, Laajili A, Chebbi F, Chtourou MF, et al. Parietal complications of hydatid cyst of the liver. Report of two cases in Tunisia. Bull Soc Pathol Exot 2012;105:259‑61. 25. Borras JA. Subcutaneous rupture of a hydatid cyst of the liver. Med Esp 1958;40:344‑51. 26. Di Cataldo A, Latino R, Cocuzza A, Li Destri G. Unexplainable development of a hydatid cyst. World J Gastroenterol 2009;15:3309‑11. 27. En‑Nafaa I, Moujahid M, Alahyane A, Amil T, Hanine A, Ziadi T. Hydatid cyst of the liver ruptured into the abdominal wall and the psoas muscle: Report of a rare observation. Pan Afr Med J 2011;10:3. 28. Islam MN, Khan NA, Haque SS, Hossain M, Ahad MA. Hepatic hydatid cyst presenting as cutaneous abscess. Mymensingh Med J 2012;21:165‑9. 29. Vahedian‑Ardakani J. Hydatid cyst of the liver presenting as cutaneous abscesses. Ann Saudi Med
Tropical Parasitology
1997;17:235‑6. 30. Onat S, Avci A, Ulku R, Ozcelik C. Spontaneous cyst‑cutaneous fistula caused by pulmonary hydatid cyst: An extremely rare case. Dicle Tip Derg 2008;35:280. 31. Chafik A, Benjelloun A, El Khadir A, El Barni R, Achour A, Ait Benasser MA. Hydatid cyst of the rib: A new case and review of the literature. Case Rep Med 2009;2009:817205. 32. Marinis A, Fragulidis G, Karapanos K, Konstantinidis C, Brestas P, Vassiliou J, et al. Subcutaneous extension of a large diaphragmatic hydatid cyst. World J Gastroenterol 2006;12:7210‑2. 33. Gümüş M, Yağmur Y, Gümüş H, Kapan M, Onder A, Böyük A. Primary hydatid disease of diaphragm with subcutenous extension. J Infect Dev Ctries 2011;5:599‑602. 34. Lewall DB, McCorkell SJ. Rupture of echinococcal cysts: Diagnosis, classification, and clinical implications. AJR Am J Roentgenol 1986;146:391‑4. 35. Kjossev KT, Losanoff JE. Classification of hydatid liver cysts. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2005;20:352‑9. 36. Kjossev K, Belokonski E, Vladov N. TN (R) C points system for cystic echinococcosis: Clinical evaluating and monitoring of the disease. Proceedings of 44 th Congress of the European Society for Surgical Research Nîmes, France/May 20‑23. Monduzzi Editore; 2009. p. 61‑4. 37. Kayaalp C. Hydatid disease of the liver. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2005;20:331. How to cite this article: Kjossev KT, Teodosiev IL. Cutaneous fistula of liver echinococcal cyst previously misdiagnosed as fistulizated rib osteomyelitis. Trop Parasitol 2013;3:161-5. Source of Support: Nil. Conflict of Interest: None declared. DOA: 08-04-2013, DOP: ***
165
Jul 2013 | Volume 3 | Issue 2 |
Copyright of Tropical Parasitology is the property of Medknow Publications & Media Pvt. Ltd. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use.
