Primary hydatid cyst of the pancreas causing obstructive jaundice

Primary hydatid cyst in the head of pancreas is rare. We report a case of a 26-year-old patient, who presented with obstructive jaundice. The imaging studies, while demonstrating a fusiform dilatation of the common bile duct, was unhelpful in identifying the etiology. A pancreatic head cyst was discovered at the time of surgery. Diagnosis was confirmed by subsequent serology and identification of scolices on microscopic examination. From the reported data, we discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic modalities of this rare disease.