Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 1, 2026
03:10
Microscopic Cyst Resection for the Treatment of Patients Diagnosed with Epididymal Cyst
Published on: March 31, 2023
[Giant retroperitoneal hydatid cyst in a traveller]
A Cambon1, P Imbert, V Duverger
1Service des maladies infectieuses et tropicales, Hôpital d'instruction des armées Bégin, Saint-Mandé.
Summary
Giant retroperitoneal hydatid cysts are rare but treatable with surgery. This case highlights successful perikystectomy in an adult traveler, emphasizing surgery as the preferred treatment for this rare condition.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Surgical Oncology
- Tropical Medicine
Background:
- Hydatidosis, a parasitic infection caused by Echinococcus granulosus, typically affects the liver and lungs.
- Retroperitoneal hydatid cysts are exceptionally rare, often presenting as large masses.
- Primary retroperitoneal hydatidosis, without prior organ involvement, is uncommon.
Observation:
- A 67-year-old female with a history of pulmonary and hepatic hydatidosis presented with a giant retroperitoneal cyst.
- The cyst, initially discovered in 1997, grew from 100 mm to 180 mm.
- The patient had previously refused surgery and received medical treatment with albendazole and praziquantel.
Findings:
- Surgical excision (perikystectomy) was successfully performed in 2009.
- Histological examination confirmed a viable hydatid cyst.
- A 12-month follow-up showed no signs of recurrence.
Implications:
- Retroperitoneal hydatidosis requires a high index of suspicion, especially in travelers from endemic areas.
- Giant retroperitoneal cysts often respond poorly to medical or radiological treatments.
- Surgical intervention, specifically perikystectomy, remains the gold standard for treating retroperitoneal hydatid cysts.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Amebiasis
Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite, is responsible for intestinal and extraintestinal amebiasis. Though a significant proportion of infections remain asymptomatic, approximately 50 million individuals annually are estimated to present with clinical disease, resulting in up to 100,000 deaths globally. The disease burden is disproportionately high in regions with lower socioeconomic status, such as parts of India, Africa, Mexico, and Latin America.Etiology and TransmissionThe infective...
01:12Giardiasis
Giardiasis is a globally prevalent intestinal infection caused by the protozoan parasite Giardia duodenalis (also known as G. lamblia or G. intestinalis). This flagellated protozoan is the most frequently identified intestinal parasite in the United States and worldwide. Transmission primarily occurs via the fecal-oral route, with infection arising from ingestion of water or food contaminated with cysts. Individuals in low-resource settings, international travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, daycare...
01:19Appendicitis
Appendicitis is an acute inflammatory condition of the vermiform appendix, most commonly caused by obstruction of its lumen. The appendix is a narrow, blind-ended pouch that extends from the cecum, making it particularly prone to obstruction. Causes include fecaliths, lymphoid hyperplasia (often after viral infections), parasites, tumors, or foreign bodies. This obstruction initiates a cascade of pathological changes.Luminal Obstruction and Early InflammationAfter obstruction, normal mucosal...
01:28Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis, a zoonotic disease caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii, poses significant public health challenges globally due to its high seroprevalence and varied clinical manifestations. As an obligate intracellular parasite, T. gondii can infect all warm-blooded vertebrates, but felids are its only definitive hosts, shedding unsporulated oocysts into the environment. Humans typically acquire the infection through ingestion of tissue cysts in undercooked meat or oocysts from...
01:28Urologic Endoscopic Procedure: Cystoscopic Examination
Meaning of Cystoscopic Examination:Cystoscopy is an essential diagnostic tool in urology that is used to assess the structure and function of the genitourinary system. It provides a direct view of the urethra, bladder, and, in some cases, the ureteral openings. This procedure helps detect structural abnormalities, infections, cancers, and blockages in the urinary tract. There are two types of cystoscopy:Flexible cystoscopy is commonly performed in outpatient settings due to its less invasive...
01:25Hiatal Hernia
A hiatal hernia is the abnormal protrusion of the stomach or other abdominal organs through the esophageal hiatus of the diaphragm into the thoracic cavity.Normally, the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) lies below the diaphragm and is supported by the phrenoesophageal membrane, the diaphragmatic crura, and connective tissues. Weakening of these structures—due to aging, congenital defects like a short esophagus, or increased intra-abdominal pressure from coughing, obesity, pregnancy, or heavy...