[Hydatic cyst of thyroid gland]

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Parasitology
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Primary hydatid cyst of the thyroid gland is an exceptionally rare condition.
• Echinococcal disease is endemic in regions like Morocco, yet thyroid involvement is uncommon.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case series of primary thyroid hydatid cysts.
• To review diagnostic challenges and management strategies for this rare entity.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of six patients diagnosed with primary hydatid cyst of the thyroid gland over a four-year period.
• Diagnosis utilized ultrasonography and immunologic testing for echinococcosis.

Main Results:

• Six cases of primary thyroid hydatid cyst presented as isolated thyroid nodules.
• Preoperative diagnosis was challenging, with only 50% suspected preoperatively and a 33% false positive rate for immunologic tests.
• Surgical management involved lobo-isthmectomy with total cyst resection (67%) or resection of the prominent dome (33%). Postoperative recovery was uneventful with no recurrence over a 19-month follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Primary hydatid cyst of the thyroid gland is a rare but potential diagnosis.
• Preoperative diagnosis can be difficult, necessitating careful consideration of cyst size and diagnostic uncertainty.
• Optimal surgical strategy for thyroid echinococcosis balances complete resection with patient-specific factors.