Rare primary extrahepatic intra-abdominal hydatid cysts

Area of Science:

• Parasitology
• Infectious Diseases
• Abdominal Surgery

Background:

• Hydatid disease is a zoonotic parasitic infection caused by Echinococcus tapeworms.
• It is endemic in sheep-rearing regions worldwide.
• While the liver and lungs are most frequently affected, dissemination can lead to cysts in virtually any organ.

Observation:

• This case series focuses on rare presentations of primary extrahepatic intra-abdominal hydatid cysts.
• The cases illustrate the diverse anatomical locations hydatid disease can manifest within the abdomen.
• Diagnostic and management challenges associated with these uncommon sites are discussed.

Findings:

• The study details the clinical presentation, imaging characteristics, and surgical outcomes of patients with rare intra-abdominal hydatid cysts.
• It emphasizes the importance of considering hydatid disease in endemic areas, even with atypical organ involvement.
• Successful surgical management strategies for these unusual presentations are presented.

Implications:

• This work expands the understanding of hydatid disease's potential intra-abdominal locations beyond the liver.
• It underscores the need for high clinical suspicion and appropriate imaging in endemic populations presenting with abdominal masses.
• The findings contribute to the surgical literature on managing rare extrahepatic hydatid disease, informing clinical practice.