%0 Case Reports
%T The Impact of Pulmonary Hydatid Cyst Rupture on COVID-19 Symptom Severity.
%A Pagheh AS
%A Pazoki H
%A Azarkar G
%A Alemzadeh E
%A Hajavi J
%A Ziaee M
%J Acta Parasitol
%V 69
%N 1
%D 2024 Mar 17
%M 38493433
%F 1.534
%R 10.1007/s11686-024-00803-4
%X <B>BACKGROUND: </B>Co-infection with other microorganisms such as parasites in patients with COVID-19 can affect the clinical outcome and require prompt diagnosis and appropriate therapy.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>We present a case of an adult male with chest pain, dyspnea, cough, diplopia, and anorexia who was confirmed to have acute COVID-19 pneumonia. 2 weeks prior to admission, a hydatid lung cyst was identified on examination, but the patient refused surgery. Thoracoabdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed a rupture of the lung hydatid cyst and co-infection with COVID-19. The patient has prescribed a treatment protocol for COVID-19 and albendazole. Despite measures taken to manage severe inflammation and decreasing blood oxygen levels, the patient required admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) and intubation. After approximately 3 weeks of hospitalization, the patient was successfully extubated and discharged uneventfully from the hospital. Oral albendazole was prescribed for follow-up treatment.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Our case highlights the importance of considering hydatid cysts in the differential diagnosis of patients with COVID-19, especially those living in endemic areas.