Splenic echinococcal cyst burrowing into left pleural space.

We describe a rare case of hydatid cyst in the spleen which communicated to the left pleural cavity. The patient presented with respiratory distress, characterized by nonproductive cough and dyspnea. The difficulties in diagnosis, using standard laboratory and radiologic techniques, were overcome by the use of ultrasound examination diagnosing both the cysts and the supra-diaphragmatic extension.