Sudden Death Due to Hydatid Disease: A Six-Year Study in the Northern Part of Tunisia

• NCJ Number: 246181
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 58 Issue: 5 Dated: September 2013 Pages: 1163-1170
• Author(s): Mehdi Ben Khelil M.D.; Mohamed Allouche M.D.; Ahmed Banasr M.D.; Fatma Gloulou M.D.; Anis Benzarti M.D.; Mongi Zhioua M.D.; Slim Haouet M.D.; Moncef Hamdoun M.D.
• Date Published: September 2013
• Length: 8 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Human ecchinococcosis also known as hydatid disease is a zoonotic infection caused by the tapeworm Ecchinococcus with 2-3 Million cases worldwide.

Abstract

We hereby report a 6 years period study of Sudden death due to hydatidosis aiming to analyze the epidemiological criteria, death circumstances, and autopsy observations attributed to hydatid disease. During the past 6 years, 26 death cases were due to hydatid disease. Our analysis shows that the sex ratio M/F was 1.6, the mean age was 31-year old, and 65% of the subjects lived in rural places. In 17 cases, death occurred in the victim's place, five victims died after a heavy exercise, and in two cases, death occurred immediately after trauma. At autopsy, 91% of the cysts were found in the liver. In three cases, death followed a septic state, and in two cases, it followed an acute respiratory failure. Death was attributed to anaphylaxis in 17 cases. Abstract published by arrangement with Wiley.