[Hydatid cyst of the thyroid in a child]

Hydatidosis is an anthropozoonosis due to the development of the Echinococcus granulosus in humans. Thyroid gland involvement is rather rare. The authors report a very rare case of thyroid gland hydatidosis in a child.

A 6-year-old male child presented with an isolated neck mass. Cervical ultrasonography suggested a cystic thyroid nodule. No invasive investigation was performed. Hepatic ultrasound and chest radiography were normal. Hydatid serology was negative. The tumor was en-bloc removed by cervicotomy. Its content was fluid, crystal clear, with membranes confirming the hydatid origin. There was no recurrence after 9 months.

Even though hydatidosis in the thyroid is rare, it should be considered in case of anterior cervical tumor, for patients living in endemic zones. The only radical treatment is surgery. An en-bloc resection must be performed with a cystectomy, isthmolobectomy, or total thyroidectomy.