An Unusual Cause Of Small Bowel Obstruction By Dead Mesenteric Calcified Hydatid Cyst

Abstract

The most common cause of small bowel obstruction in adults is adhesions due to the previous abdominal surgery. Intestinal obstruction may arise from enterolith formation, intussusception or volvulus [1,2,3]. In the latter situation the diverticulum acts as a pivot, especially where previous diverticulitis results in adhesive band formation. Such adhesions may also cause obstruction by direct kinking of the bowel or by trapping another loop of bowel underneath. The case is discussed of a 55-year-old male with small bowel obstruction caused by dead mesenteric echinococcal cyst. The small bowel was strangulated by the calcified entity. Although it is an uncommon condition, it is the dread of every surgeon in endemic regions. The diagnosis was highly suggestive by plain abdominal radiography and confirmed on Abdominal computed tomography, where a radio-opaque structure with hyperdense border is noted. The case was treated surgically and the patient passed uneventful post operative recovery.