Skip to main content

Eradication of advanced pelvic hydatid bone disease after limb salvage surgery – 5-year follow-up: a case report

Abstract

Introduction

Echinococcosis is produced by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus; it is a parasitic disease which is seen rarely in humans and has adverse outcomes. We report a case of advanced pelvic hydatid bone disease with successful limb salvage surgery. Our patient had a 5-year follow-up without recurrence which is a rarity as per the literature. Early diagnosis and prompt medical therapy are necessary for effective management whereas delayed diagnosis is always fraught with the risk of recurrence and sepsis.

Case presentation

In 2009, a 30-year-old woman, native of Karachi (Sindhi ethnicity), presented at our clinic with history of a pathological fracture 11 years earlier. Her fracture was initially misdiagnosed and fixed. Subsequently she had persistent disease that progressed with time. Following this she underwent multiple surgeries and the diagnosis of hydatid disease was made but despite multiple debridements and medical therapy she was not cured and finally she was offered a hemipelvectomy (limb sacrifice). On presentation to our hospital she was counseled regarding options of hemipelvectomy versus a limb salvage form of modified internal hemipelvectomy and wide margin resection. She opted for limb salvage. She underwent internal hemipelvectomy with wide margin resection of soft tissue and proximal femur along with postoperative albendazole therapy. She was able to walk again after a very long period. Currently she is 5-years postreconstructive surgery. She is infection free and ambulant without support.

Conclusions

Hydatid bone disease is a rare entity in our part of the world but a careful history and thorough look at the initial images of our patient would have led to the suspicion of pathologic fracture and subsequent early diagnosis of this difficult problem. A second important learning point in this case was the lack of early referral to a center where this difficult problem could have been handled effectively. This could have minimized the physical, mental and financial stress to the patient and her family.

Peer Review reports

Introduction

Hydatid cyst disease is a parasitic disease caused by a cestode known as echinococcus. The genus Echinococcus includes three species of which Echinococcus granulosus is the most common cause of hydatid disease in humans [13]. The tapeworm resides in the small bowel of the hosts and infected ova are shed in the feces. When ingested by intermediate hosts such as humans, sheep, or cattle, the larvae enter the portal circulation. The larvae eventually reach the liver; where most of them are trapped. Sometimes, larvae reach the lungs and other areas of the body and form cysts. The strong structure of osseous tissue limits the growth of the hydatid cyst, which spreads along medullar and trabecular channels [4]. The disease affects the long bones, vertebral column, pelvis, and costae in order from least to most affected region [1, 5]. Hydatid bone disease is rare, approximately 0.5 to 2.5% of all human hydatidosis [6]. Although long-term survival is possible, the disease is not easy to eradicate and may be impossible to cure [79]. Hydatid bone disease is essentially the disease of the young. Early diagnosis is primarily based on X-ray findings which are not specific to the disease. Patients usually present at an advanced stage of the disease and, therefore, treatment is difficult and recurrence is common. It is a serious disease which is difficult to eradicate because of complex and difficult resection. We present a patient who was initially misdiagnosed and underwent multiple surgeries. She is in our follow-up (more than 5 years now) and until now she is infection and disease free.

Case presentation

In 2009, a 30-year-old woman, native of Karachi (Sindhi ethnicity), presented at our clinic with a 3-year history of discharging sinus of her right hip and inability to ambulate. She had a history of right proximal femur fracture secondary to a trivial trauma 11 years earlier (Figure 1). She initially remained under treatment of bone setters for 3 months and then she underwent fixation (in 1998) with dynamic hip screw (Figure 2) in a tertiary hospital without a biopsy being done although history and X-rays were suggestive of pathologic fracture. She remained symptomatic postoperatively and gradually the implant cut through the femoral head (Figures 3 and 4). In 2007 the implant was removed (Figure 5) in another tertiary hospital and tissue was sent for histopathology which showed hydatid disease. Postoperatively she developed discharging sinus for which she underwent multiple debridements along with prolonged courses of albendazole but her condition did not improve.

Figure 1
figure 1

Initial X-ray of the patient before surgical intervention in 1998. There is proximal femur fracture along with radiolucencies present in proximal femur including the femoral head.

Figure 2
figure 2

Initial fixation with dynamic hip screw done in 1998.

Figure 3
figure 3

Further progression of radiolucencies in proximal femur along with lag screw cutting through the femoral head. Year 2000.

Figure 4
figure 4

Further progression of disease involving acetabulum as well. Year 2007.

Figure 5
figure 5

Implant removal done in year 2007.

In 2009, she was offered a hemipelvectomy after which she visited our hospital. On examination she was unable to bear weight on her right leg. Her right leg was shortened by 4cm; the girth of her right thigh was increased by 8cm. There were multiple discharging sinuses over her right thigh and right hip with seropurulent discharge. There were multiple scars over the lateral aspect of her right proximal thigh with limited, painful range of motion of her right hip. Distal neurovascular status was intact. X-rays were performed that showed grossly extensive involvement of her proximal femur and acetabulum (Figures 6A, 6B and 6C). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of her pelvis was done which showed erosions and altered signals in right proximal femur, acetabuli, ischium pubic rami and right ilium (Figures 7, 8 and 9). There was atrophy of her hip muscles, scarring and lymphatics obstruction. Her uterus, ovaries and opposite hip were unremarkable. An ultrasound of her abdomen was unremarkable. Options of hemipelvectomy versus a limb salvage form of modified internal hemipelvectomy and wide margin resection were explained to her. The second option had a risk of recurrence and infection but she opted for the same.

Figure 6
figure 6

X-ray pelvis (Figure 6A) and femur (Figure 6B and 6C) on presentation at our institute in 2009. There is bone loss in proximal femur with extensive involvement of proximal femur shaft and presence of radiolucencies in acetabulum as well.

Figure 7
figure 7

Coronal and axial magnetic resonance images of pelvis show heterogeneous signals on short-tau inversion recovery, predominantly high signals on T2-weighted image (fat saturation) and low signals on T1-weighted image.

Figure 8
figure 8

Postgadolinium images showing significant heterogeneous enhancement.

Figure 9
figure 9

No diffusion restriction on diffusion-weighted imaging and signal drop out on apparent diffusion coefficient mapping.

In March 2009, an internal hemipelvectomy with wide margin resection of soft tissue and proximal femur was done (Figures 10A and 10B). Perioperatively frozen sections were sent from resected margins that were reported as disease free (no cyst wall, no scolices). Postoperatively she remained on skeletal traction and received albendazole therapy for more than 3 months. As her wound and infection parameters gradually improved she underwent reconstruction with free vascularized fibular graft along with locking compression plate (LCP) in August 2009 (Figures 11A and 11B). Postoperatively a hip spica was applied. Follow-up imaging was done to assess union (Figures 12A and 12B; Figures 13A, 13B and 13C). Gradually her ambulation progressed and she was able to ambulate without support after a long time.

Figure 10
figure 10

X-ray pelvis (Figure 10A) and lower limb scanogram (Figure 10B) showing internal hemipelvectomy with resection of proximal femur. March 2009.

Figure 11
figure 11

X-ray pelvis (Figure 11A) and femur (Figure 11B) showing reconstruction with free vascularized fibular graft along with LCP (Locking Compression Plate). August 2009.

Figure 12
figure 12

4 month follow-up showing scanogram of lower limbs (Figure 12A) and X-ray pelvis (Figure 12B).

Figure 13
figure 13

One year follow-up x-rays of pelvis (Figure 13A) and femur (Figure 13B and 13C).

She remained ambulant ‘as tolerated’ until February 2013 when she had a fall at home and sustained right patella fracture for which tension band wiring was done (Figures 14A to 14E). Her postoperative recovery remains smooth and now, in August 2014, 60 months (5 years) postoperative from her reconstructive surgery she is ambulant without any support. At present she is infection and disease free.

Figure 14
figure 14

Follow-up X rays of femur (Figure 14A and Figure 14B), knee (Figure 14C and Figure 14D) and lateral view of hip (Figure 14E), at 42 months following surgery, showing good consolidation of union and hypertrophy of the fibula. Also note fixation of patella (Figure 14C and Figure 14D).

Discussion

Hydatid pelvic disease of the bone is considered to be the disease of the young. Diagnosis is primarily based on the findings of X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans [911]. Hydatid bone disease should be considered in any differential diagnosis of osteolytic lesions, especially in endemic regions. The location is mostly hepatic (75%) and pulmonary (15%), and only 10% occur in the rest of the body. Primary skeletal involvement seldom occurs. Bone involvement is seen in only 1 to 2.5% of cases of hydatidosis [12] and surprisingly musculoskeletal lesions of cystic echinococcosis usually occur as isolated findings and without concomitant hepatic or pulmonary involvement [12, 13]. Nevertheless, the involvement of other organs should be ruled out in any patient with bone hydatidosis. The spine is the most common location for about 50% of osseous hydatidosis, followed by pelvis and hip, the femur, the tibia, the ribs and the scapula [14]. Hydatid disease of bone usually remains asymptomatic over a long period, and it is usually detected after a pathological fracture or secondary infection or the onset of compressive symptoms on adjacent soft tissues. The clinical manifestation may take 10 to 20 years to become obvious, since the cyst grows very slowly. The most common radiological manifestation of skeletal hydatid disease is of a lucent expansile lesion with cortical thinning [15]. The CT appearance of a bone lesion is a well-defined, typically multiloculated osteolytic lesion sometimes with coarse trabeculae within it, giving a honeycomb appearance, which is accompanied by expansion of the bone and thinning of its cortex [16]. The MRI signal intensity pattern of the daughter cysts reflects their contents and may vary in cysts that are dead or alive. The production of hydatid fluid stops when they disintegrate at death [17]. MRI is also helpful in delineating the soft tissue extent of the disease. Immunodiagnosis is useful not only in primary diagnosis but also for follow-up of patients after surgical or pharmacological treatment [18]. Detection of circulating Echinococcus granulosus antigens in serum is less sensitive than antibody detection, which remains the method of choice [14]. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, indirect hemagglutination antibody assay, latex agglutination test, and immunoblot test are the most commonly used immunological methods. Theoretically, surgery with a broad safety margin is the best treatment for bone hydatidosis [19]; however, most times this recommendation is impossible. For example, in most common sites of hydatid disease of bone, spine and pelvis, radical resection of the lesion is practically impossible [19]. Comparable data have been collected on the outcome of chemotherapy with benzimidazole carbamate (albendazole) that show encouraging results [14]. Albendazole sulfoxide is better absorbed with higher levels of active metabolite in the cysts compared with other benzimidazoles [14]. Treatment with albendazole is effective, but at least one cycle should be given before operation and six or more courses afterwards [14]. In our study, our patient underwent multiple surgeries before presenting to our institute, which reflects the importance of diagnosing the disease early because delay in diagnosis and inadequate management, as happened in this case, leads to further advancement of disease and psychological stress to the patient and his or her family. The natural course of the hydatid disease was explained to our patient including the chances of recurrence of infection. She underwent wide margin excision and stabilization of proximal femur defect with free vascularized fibula along with LCP. She had a follow-up of 60 months and is infection and disease free until now.

Conclusions

Hydatid bone disease is a rare entity in our part of the world but a careful history and thorough look at the initial images of our patient would have led to the suspicion of pathologic fracture and subsequently early diagnosis of this difficult problem. A second important learning point in this case was the lack of early referral to a center where this difficult problem could have been handled effectively. This could have minimized the physical, mental and financial stress to the patient and her family.

Consent

Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this case report and any accompanying images. A copy of the written consent is available for review by the Editor-in-Chief of this journal.

Authors’ information

Muhammad Shahid Khan: former resident, Department of Surgery, Section of Orthopaedics, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan.

References

  1. Agarwal S, Shah A, Kadhi SK, Rooney RJ: Hydatid bone disease of the pelvis. A report of two cases and review of the literature. Clin Orthop Relat Res 1992, 280: 251–255.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Szypryt EP, Morris DL, Mulholland RC: Combined chemotherapy and surgery for hydatid bone disease. J Bone Joint Surg (Br) 1987,69(1):141–144.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Uzel M, Hiz M, Aydingoz O: Curettage, local heat and cement application in echinococcosis of bone. Joint Meeting of EMSOS-AMSTS: Florence, Italy; 1995.

    Google Scholar 

  4. El Ibrahimi A, Ankouz A, Daoudi A, Elmrini A: Pelvic bone and hip joint hydatid disease revealing a retroperitoneal location. Orthop Rev (Pavia) 2009,1(1):e8. 10.4081/or.2009.e8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Porat S, Joseph KN: Hydatid disease of bone: a case report and review of the literature. Isr J Med Sci 1978,14(2):223–227.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Sapkas GS, Stathakopoulos DP, Babis GC, Tsarouchas JK: Hydatid disease of bones and joints: 8 cases followed for 4–16 years. Acta Orthop 1998,69(1):89–94. 10.3109/17453679809002364

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Mnaymneh W, Yacoubian V, Bikhazi K: Hydatidosis of the pelvic girdle: Treatment by partial pelvectomy. J Bone Joint Surg Am 1977, 59: 538–540.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Natarajan MV, Kumar AK, Sivaseelam A, Iyakutty P, Raja M, Rajagopal TS: Using a custom megaprosthesis to treat hydatidosis of bone: a report of 3 cases. J Orthop Surg-Hong Kong 2002,10(2):203–205.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Zlitni M, Ezzaouia K, Lebib H, Karray M, Kooli M, Mestiri M: Hydatid cyst of bone: diagnosis and treatment. World J Surg 2001,25(1):75–82. 10.1007/s002680020010

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Markakis P, Markaki S, Prevedorou D, Bouropoulou V: Echinococcosis of bone: clinico-laboratory findings and differential diagnostic problems. Archives d'anatomieet de cytologiepathologiques 1990,38(3):92.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Saidi F: Hydatid cysts of bone. Surg hydatid Dis 1976, 1: 135–138.

    Google Scholar 

  12. Merkle EM, Schulte M, Vogel J, Tomczak R, Rieber A, Kern P, et al.: Musculoskeletal involvement in cystic echinococcosis: report of eight cases and review of the literature. AJR Am J Roentgenol 1997,168(6):1531–1534. 10.2214/ajr.168.6.9168719

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Garcia-Alvarez F, Torcal J, Salinas JC, Navarro A, Garcia-Alvarez I, Navarro-Zorraquino M, et al.: Musculoskeletal hydatid disease: a report of 13 cases. Acta Orthop Scand 2002,73(2):227–231. 10.1080/000164702753671858

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Farzan M, Mortazavi SMJ, Motamedi M: Hydatid disease of bone. Acta Medica Iranica 2006,44(6):361–364.

    Google Scholar 

  15. Arazi M, Erikoglu M, Odev K, Memik R, Ozdemir M: Primary echinococcus infestation of the bone and muscles. Clin Orthop Relat Res 2005, 432: 234–241.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Morris BS, Madiwale CV, Garg A, Chavhan GB: Hydatid disease of bone: a mimic of other skeletal pathologies. Australas Radiol 2002,46(4):431–434. 10.1046/j.1440-1673.2002.t01-1-01099.x

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Beggs I: The radiology of hydatid disease. AJR Am J Roentgenol 1985,145(3):639–648. 10.2214/ajr.145.3.639

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Eckert J, Deplazes P: Biological, epidemiological, and clinical aspects of echinococcosis, a zoonosis of increasing concern. Clin Microbiol Rev 2004,17(1):107–135. 10.1128/CMR.17.1.107-135.2004

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  19. Herrera A, Martinez AA: Extraspinal bone hydatidosis. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2003,85-A(9):1790–1794.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Muhammad Shahid Khan.

Additional information

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Authors’ contributions

PMH is the surgeon who operated and followed the case. MSK drafted the manuscript along with literature review under the supervision of PMH. DK is the radiologist who helped us to draft the radiological reports of the patient’s images. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Rights and permissions

This article is published under license to BioMed Central Ltd. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly credited. The Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication waiver (http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/) applies to the data made available in this article, unless otherwise stated.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Khan, M.S., Hashmi, P.M. & Khan, D. Eradication of advanced pelvic hydatid bone disease after limb salvage surgery – 5-year follow-up: a case report. J Med Case Reports 9, 21 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1186/1752-1947-9-21

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1752-1947-9-21

Keywords