Echinococcosis of the brain, liver, and lungs: A rare case report

RATIONALE: Echinococcosis is a zoonotic disease most commonly caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus. As an intermediate host, Homo sapiens primarily exhibits hepatic involvement. Although hepatic involvement is the typical presentation, disseminated multi-organ infection is exceedingly rare. PATIENT CONCERNS: The patient was a 22-year-old Tibetan male. He experienced an epileptic seizure 1 day prior, without an apparent cause, and occasionally lost consciousness, though there was no nausea or vomiting. DIAGNOSES: Cerebral echinococcosis, hepatic echinococcosis, and pulmonary echinococcosis. INTERVENTIONS: Microsurgical excision of the hydatid cyst was performed to alleviate the intracranial pressure it exerted on the brain tissue. OUTCOMES: The patient experienced no obvious discomfort following the operation, and no abnormalities were detected during routine follow-ups. Consequently, the patient was discharged without complications. Currently, the patient has resumed a normal life, and ongoing treatment for liver and lung hydatid disease should continue. LESSONS: We report on a rare case characterized by specific clinical manifestations. Additionally, we examine the role of blood transmission in the dissemination of the disease and evaluate the efficacy of surgical interventions.