[Hydatid cyst of soft tissues: MR imaging findings (Report of three cases)]

Three cases of hydatid disease of the soft tissues are reported. All presented as soft tissue lesions in the neck and lower extremities. All three cases were studied with ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging techniques. Two patients presented with multivesicular lesions, which were considered diagnostic for hydatid disease. The third showed a lesion with hypoechoic solid and lobulated pattern mimicking lymph node. MR outlined the cystic pattern with intense peripheral enhancement and was suggestive of an infected cystic lesion. Surgery was performed in all three cases. Hydatid disease presenting in the soft tissues can be diagnosed with confidence, when US and/or MR shows multivesicular lesions. MR appears to be the most useful imaging technique when a complex or solid pattern is present. Enhancement of the peri-cystic soft tissues can be considered as a suggestive MR feature of soft tissue hydatid disease.