Anaphylaxis Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Anaphylaxis, including details on food allergies, diagnosis, treatment, causes.

Grand mal seizures: an unusual and puzzling primary presentation of ruptured hepatic hydatid cyst.

Meyer PG, Bonneville C, Orliaguet GA, Dessemme P, Blakime P, Carli PA, Revillon Y

Department of Pediatric Anesthesia, CHU Necker Enfants Malades et Faculté René Descartes, Paris, France. philippe.meyer@nck.ap-hop-paris.fr

We report a case of hepatic hydatidosis where the first clinical manifestations, generalized seizures after minor head and abdominal trauma, and delayed anaphylaxis, made the primary diagnosis difficult. Severe anaphylaxis has been reported as initial presentation of quiescent hepatic hydatidosis. In endemic areas, the diagnosis must be carefully ruled out in patients experiencing abrupt anaphylactic shock of uncertain etiology. The occurrence of unexplained vascular collapse after minor abdominal trauma in a patient originating from an endemic area should prompt the diagnosis and urgent treatment should be initiated; firstly emergency management of the anaphylactic shock and later, surgical treatment of the cysts.

Published 24 May 2006 in Paediatr Anaesth, 16(6): 676-9.
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