The air bubble sign within an echinococcal cyst may be detected on routine X-rays, ultrasonography, CT scan or MRI.
Sources of air or gas within an echinococcal cyst:
(1) for a cyst in the lung or upper abdomen, a fistula to a bronchus
(2) for a cyst in the abdomen, a fistula to a gas containing viscus (bile duct, bowel, etc)
(3) infection of the cyst by a gas-forming bacteria
The first 2 causes may impact the decision on how to treat the cyst. Injection of sclerosing agents into a cyst with a fistula can lead to complications.
Infection of an echinococcal cyst is common after the cyst has ruptured. The risk is increased if there is a fistula to a source of bacteria like the bowel.
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