Sonographic and computed tomographic demonstration of hydatid cysts communicating with the biliary tree

Hepatic hydatid disease is usually silent and discovered incidentally. Rupture of a hydatid cyst into the biliary tree is a serious complication and produces a clinical picture of biliary obstruction. We present the cases of 2 patients who had only nonspecific symptoms and laboratory test results indicative of biliary tract obstruction. The results of sonographic examinations of both patients strongly suggested the presence of hepatic hydatid cysts communicating with the biliary tree. CT examination provided additional information in 1 patient but only confirmed the sonographic findings in the other. Both cases were surgically confirmed. Demonstration of the cyst and intrabiliary hydatid contents should form the basis for the diagnosis of a hydatid cyst's rupture into the biliary tree; detecting the point of communication further supports the diagnosis. An accurate preoperative diagnosis of this disease is essential for its prompt surgical management. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 32:144–148, 2004