Background

Echinococcosis and tuberculosis of the lungs are endemic in the Mediterranean area, with a high burden of disease in Algeria [1]. Echinococcosis may develop in any organ, but the lung is primarily affected in children [2]. Most cysts are acquired in childhood, remain asymptomatic for a long period of time, and are incidentally found on chest radiography later in life [3]. While rare, adult case reports of co-infection of tuberculosis and echinococcosis have been published, but the literature is relatively sparse concerning childhood disease burden [4, 5].

Case presentation

A 10-year-old girl was admitted with a history of productive cough, fever, and chest pain. There were no antecedents, with vaccinations up-to-date. There was no reported history of exposure, including intimate contact with contagious dogs. Review of systems was notable for weight loss. On examination, the general condition of the patient was preserved. Chest examination revealed decreased air entry at the left lower lobe, but systemic examination was unremarkable, other than a BCG mark in the upper extremity. Laboratory studies revealed leukocytosis, with serologic Echinococcus IgG positive.

Chest X-ray demonstrated a round left lower lobe with an air-fluid interface, an acute angle of connection, and free costodiaphragmatic recess of the pleural cavity (Fig. 1). Chest computed tomography with intravenous contrast showed a lingual hydroaeric formation measuring 5×6 cm with a detached membrane image associated with peri-cystic parenchymal condensation (Fig. 2). Chest spirometry showed decreased respiratory exhalation, 83.1% of predicted.

Fig. 1
figure 1

Chest X-ray: a round left lower lobe with an air fluid interface (white arrow), an acute angle of connection, and free costodiaphragmatic recess of pleural cavity

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Fig. 2
figure 2

Chest CT scan with injection contrast: A lingual hydroaeric formation measuring 5×6 cm with a detached membrane

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A diagnosis of complicated hydatid disease of the lung was made, and the patient was subsequently started on oral albendazole, before undergoing exploratory thoracotomy where partial cystectomy and the obliteration of the pericyst cavity occurred. Histopathology was notable for echinococcosis membrane characteristics.

After 2 months, the patient re-presented with complaints of cough, hemoptysis, and dyspnea. Physical exam was notable for decreased breath sounds and enlargement of the left sided chest wall. Casoni skin test and sputum cultures were negative. Radiographic images favored repermeabilization of bronchopleural fistulas and the patient underwent surgical closure of the bronchial openings, pleural lung biopsy, and placement of a thoracic drain. Histology was notable for characteristic laminated and cuticle appearance of the echinococcosis (Fig. 3a); caseating epithelioid cell granulomas with giant cells are features of tuberculosis (Fig. 3b). Ziehl Neelsen staining was strongly positive (Fig. 4).

Fig. 3
figure 3

Biopsy of the lung specimen: section of the cyst wall. a Pericyst and cuticle layer. b Caseating epithelioid cell granulomas with giant cells

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Fig. 4
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The specific staining of Ziehl Neelsen positive

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The patient continued on albendazole for 2 months and an anti-tuberculosis regimen for 6 months, with concurrent functional physiotherapy sessions. During the following 3-year follow-up, drastic clinical, radiographic, and functional improvement was noted (Fig. 5).

Fig. 5
figure 5

Normal chest X-ray after 3-year follow-up

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Discussion

Human echinococcosis is a zoonic disease attributable to larval forms (metacestodes) of Echinococcus (E.) tapeworms found in the small intestine of carnivores [6]. Tuberculosis is one of the most common infections worldwide, with high prevalence in developing countries, Algeria among them. Echinococcosis is endemic in Algeria and poses a significant public health concern.

The most common location for echinococcosis in children is the lung. The high elasticity and compressible tissue found in children’s lungs is thought to be the underlying cause of expedited growth of echinococcosis in children [7, 8]. Distinguishing echinococcosis and tuberculosis from each other is often easy with laboratory and radiological investigations. However, distinguishing complicated echinococcosis from atypical tuberculosis is not easy and is further complicated should these two pathogens exist in the same location [9].

Similarities in the symptoms of tuberculosis and echinococcosis, as well as immune progression of both diseases, make definitive diagnosis difficult. Tuberculosis infection can often mask the symptoms of early-stage echinococcosis, particularly pulmonary echinococcosis. Tuberculosis-mediated immune system suppression can spur the progression of early echinococcosis to advance or late state echinococcosis [10].

Surgical treatment of lung echinococcosis aims to avoid lung parenchyma resection, with the ultimate goal to be as conservative as possible. Surgical goals include removal of the cyst membrane (cystectomy), closure of bronchial fistulas, and obliteration of the residual cavity (the capitonnage) with sutures. Some surgeons advocate that obligatory closure of the capitonnage is not necessary, as adequate results can also be obtained when the residual cavity spontaneously obliterates [11]. However, some reports indicate that capitonnage shortens postoperative chest tube drainage time, reduces morbidity, prevents pneumothorax and emphysema formation, and, ultimately, minimizes hospital course [12, 13]. Medical treatment with benzimidazole drugs can also lead to a successful outcome. Mebendazole and albendazole are the only anthelminthic agents effective against cystic echinococcosis [4].

While the treatment of echinococcosis of the lung is primarily surgical, tuberculosis seldom requires surgical intervention. Hemoptysis, bronchopleural fistula, or persistent cavities are the rare cases where surgical intervention is required.

Both echinococcosis and tuberculosis are still prevalent in children in Algeria [14, 15]. Co-existence of both diseases in the same patient is rare, especially in children. As in the case described above, distinguishing a complicated echinococcosis infection from tuberculosis is a diagnostic challenge given the similarities in clinical presentation. In this case, Ziehl Neelsen staining illuminated the concurrent pulmonary tuberculosis infection [4, 5].

Conclusion

Concurrent tuberculosis and echinococcosis infection should be taken into consideration when patients present with persistent bronchopleural fistula or pulmonary cavitary lesions in endemic areas. While this association is rare, its high morbidity and mortality highlight the need for rapid diagnosis. A multidisciplinary approach between pediatrics, pediatric surgery, and pathology facilitates diagnosis and rapid treatment.