A large hydatid cyst of the liver in pregnancy.

We report on a primigravida, who was admitted in the 14th week of pregnancy because of recurrent vomiting and upper abdominal pain. The diagnosis of a large 20 cm echinococcal cyst of the liver was confirmed by ultrasound and an indirect hemagglutination test (IHA). In the 19th week of pregnancy a subtotal cystectomy was performed under perioperative treatment with the anthelmintic drug Albendazole. The patient delivered a 1420 g, 41 cm premature boy in breech position at 33 weeks. The significance of echinococcal cysts in pregnancy is discussed.