Anterior abdominal wall hydatid cyst; an unusual presentation

Hydatid disease is common in sheep rearing communities, often presenting with hepatic cysts in a majority of cases. Musculo-skeletal involvement as occurred in our patient is an unusual manifestation. Hydatid disease should be considered a differential of superficial and soft tissue swellings in our environment.

A 27-year-old HIV positive widow on antiretroviral therapy, who presented with intramuscular hydatid cyst in the right lower quadrant of the anterior abdominal wall is presented.

Following total excision and chemotherapy with albendazole, the patient did well and remained symptom free two years later.

Though a rarity, hydatid cyst does occur in the musculo-skeletal system, presenting as a superficial swelling. Correct surgical management, including the intra-operative avoidance of spillage of cyst fluid demands pre-operative diagnosis or at least a high index of suspicion. Hydatid cyst should therefore be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of superficial swellings of musculo-skeletal origin in sheep rearing communities such as ours.