Isolated hydatid cyst of the neck: an unusual site

Head and neck hydatid disease is rare, even in countries in which echinococcosis is endemic and accounts for 1% of all human echinococcosis sites. The purpose of this report is to describe the epidemiology, clinical features, complementary investigations and treatment of head and neck hydatid disease in the light of a case report and a review of the literature.

The authors report the case of a 40-year-old man, who presented with a right supraclavicular mass that had been growing for six months. Neck ultrasound initially suggested a type I unilocular hydatid cyst according to Gharbi's classification. Neck exploration was then performed, revealing a hydatid cyst.

Isolated hydatid cyst of the neck is exceptional, but should be considered in the presence of any cystic mass of the neck in endemic regions. Ultrasound facilitates diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in order to ensure complete surgical resection. Prevention remains the essential treatment.