Point-of-care Ultrasound Diagnosis of Pulmonary Hydatid Cyst Disease Causing Shock: A Case Report

Author(s): Hill, Alexandra; Guillen, Marco; Martin, David; Dreyfuss, Andrea | Abstract: Introduction: Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is accepted as an important tool for evaluatingpatients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with dyspnea1 and undifferentiated shock.2Identifying the etiology and type of shock is time-critical since treatments vary based on thisinformation. Clinicians typically rely on the history, exam, and diagnostics tests to identify theetiology of shock. In resource-limited settings where there is reduced access to timely laboratory anddiagnostic studies. The use of POCUS enables rapid classification and directed treatment of shock.Additionally, POCUS can aid in the diagnosis of rarer tropical diseases that can be important causesof shock in resource-limited settings.Case Report: We discuss a case of a pediatric patient who presented to an ED in Cusco, Peru, withacute dyspnea and shock. Point-of-care ultrasound was used to expedite the diagnosis of a rupturedpulmonary hydatid cyst, guide proper management of septic and anaphylactic shock, and expeditedefinitive surgical intervention.Conclusion: In resource-limited settings where there is reduced access to timely laboratory anddiagnostic studies, the use of POCUS enables rapid classification and directed treatment of shock.