Abstract

Introduction: Surgery is effective treatment for echinococcosis; however, there is a risk of hypertonic saline resorption and acute hypernatremia. Aim: We report two cases of severe hypernatremia following hydatid cyst removal. Case reports: A 17-year-old girl underwent surgical removal of hepatic hydatid cyst. Following the surgery, she developed seizures evolving to status epilepticus, and was sedated and mechanically ventilated. Blood chemistry showed hypernatremia. Fluid resuscitation with 5% dextrose infusions was started in combination with furosemide. Electrolytes were monitored frequently until plasma sodium levels normalized, 30 hours later. The patient was seizure free 48 hours later. The second patient is a 70-year-old man with hepatic hydatid cyst. After the surgery he became somnolent and confused due to severe hypernatremia. Intravenous administration of five percentage dextrose was initiated and high doses of furosemide. Sodium level normalized within 38 hours. The patient’s mental status improved. Conclusion: A hospital protocol was established aiming to prevent hypernatremia and neurological complications.

Key words: Hypernatremia, Hydatid cyst, Neurologic complications.