Unusual sites for primary hydatid cysts: self experience with five cases

Area of Science:

• * Infectious Diseases
• * Parasitology
• * Surgical Case Reports

Background:

• * Hydatid disease is a zoonotic parasitic infection caused by Echinococcus granulosus tapeworm.
• * Commonly affects the liver and lungs, prevalent in sheep-raising regions like Iraq.
• * Diagnosis in unusual locations requires a high index of clinical suspicion.

Observation:

• * Presents five cases of primary hydatid cysts in uncommon locations: pancreas, abdominal wall, spleen, back, and thigh.
• * Patients included three females and two males, aged 15–39 years.
• * All patients underwent surgical intervention at the reporting center.

Findings:

• * Surgical management was successful in all five cases of unusual hydatid disease presentation.
• * Follow-up ranged from 2 to 6 years post-operation.
• * No recurrence of hydatid disease was observed at primary or other sites in any patient.

Implications:

• * Highlights the importance of considering hydatid disease in the differential diagnosis of masses in rare anatomical locations.
• * Demonstrates the efficacy of surgical treatment for primary hydatid cysts in unusual sites.
• * Suggests that prompt surgical intervention can lead to favorable long-term outcomes without recurrence.