[Primary hydatid disease of the tibia. case report]

Area of Science:

• Medical Parasitology
• Skeletal Imaging
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Hydatidosis, caused by Echinococcus cestodes, commonly affects the liver and lungs.
• Bone hydatid disease is exceptionally rare, comprising only 0.5–4% of all cases.
• Primary bone hydatidosis without systemic involvement is even more uncommon.

Observation:

• A 58-year-old woman presented with chronic left infapatellar pain and gait disturbance.
• Imaging revealed a cystic lesion in the proximal tibia's metaphysis and diaphysis.
• Histopathology confirmed a hydatid cyst as the cause of the osteolytic lesion.

Findings:

• Surgical resection and albendazole treatment led to a favorable outcome.
• The patient recovered leg motility with no evidence of disease recurrence.
• Tibia involvement in bone hydatidosis occurs in up to 15% of cases and often presents with complications.

Implications:

• Accurate preoperative diagnosis via imaging is crucial for differentiating hydatid bone disease from tumors or inflammatory conditions.
• Surgical management combined with antiparasitic therapy is essential.
• Despite treatment, hydatid bone disease carries a high risk of morbidity, mortality, and recurrence (70–80%).