HYDATID-DISEASE OF THE LIVER AND PORTAL-H YPERTENSION IN PEDIATRIC-PATIENTS - IS THE DIAGNOSIS BUDD-CHIARI SYNDROME

A case of portal hypertension in a five-year-old with multiple hydatid cysts in the liver is reported. Compression of the portal vein was th e likely mechanism. Abdominal ultrasonography disclosed four hydatid c ysts of which the largest was located in segments VII and VIII and cau sed compression of the suprahepatic veins and inferior vena cava. Dopp ler ultrasonography showed continuous venous flow without triphasic mo dulation in the middle suprahepatic vein and inferior vena cava. Abdom inal computed tomography demonstrated compression of the inferior vena cava and failed to visualize the suprahepatic veins. Upon surgery, ev idence of hepatic venous statis was found. The child died 24 hours pos t-surgery. Budd-Chiari syndrome should be looked for routinely in pati ents with hydatid disease of the liver.