Isolated renal hydatid cyst masquerading as cystic renal cell carcinoma: a case report

Incidentally detected renal cysts are always a diagnostic challenge especially when they present with equivocal features on imaging. Proper diagnosis is of paramount importance as it affects the treatment decisions. Septal and nodular enhancement on computed tomography (CT) is the strongest predictor of malignant process. A multilocular cystic lesion with heterogeneity on CT goes in favour of hydatid disease. Though the treatment in both these cases is surgical excision, a more careful study of image may ease the treatment planning process much more. We report a case in middle aged lady who presented with vague abdominal pain with loss of weight, who was found to have a cystic mass in the upper pole of the left kidney on imaging turned out to be hydatid cyst though the radiological features were in favour of cystic renal cell carcinonoma.