Primary hydatidosis of the gluteus muscles: report of three cases

Hydatid disease caused by the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus is a worldwide problem especially in sheep and cattle raising countries.

Muscle involvement is most commonly encountered as recurrence of previously treated disease or concurrently with primary lesions of the liver or lung. Furthermore, the rarity of muscle hydatidosis has unique implications in diagnosis and management.

We report on three cases of primary echinococcus of the gluteus muscles presented in our clinic during a 10-year period.

We have administered albendazole for one cycle of 28 days in two of our patients based on the size and appearance of the cyst. All patients underwent total pericystectomy without cyst rupture. We have not found any recurrences after minimum follow up of 12 months.

Muscle echinococciasis respond well to surgical intervention. Complete and intact removal of the cyst in primary muscular hydatidosis should be considered curative.