Hydatid disease with atypical localization: 4 cases report

Area of Science:

• Parasitology
• Infectious Diseases
• Radiology

Background:

• Hydatid disease, caused by Echinococcus, typically presents as slow-growing cystic masses.
• The liver and lungs are the most commonly affected organs, but rare presentations occur in the brain, heart, bone, and muscle.
• Cysts can be single or multiple, and uni- or multiloculated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present four cases of multiple and atypically localized hydatid cysts.
• To highlight the importance of comprehensive imaging in suspected hydatid disease.

Main Methods:

• Case series presentation.
• Review of medical histories and radiological findings for four patients with hydatid disease.
• Surgical history of previous hepatic cyst removal was noted in two cases.

Main Results:

• Four cases of hydatid disease with multiple and atypical localizations were identified.
• Two of the presented cases had a history of prior hepatic hydatid cyst removal.
• The findings underscore the potential for widespread and recurrent Echinococcus infections.

Conclusions:

• Hydatid disease can manifest with multiple cysts in unusual locations.
• Previous hydatid disease, particularly hepatic, warrants thorough investigation for further cysts.
• Radiological imaging of the entire body is recommended when hydatid cysts are suspected or diagnosed.