Hydatid cyst of the orbit in a young Nigerian female: a case report

To report an unusual case of orbital hydatid cyst successfully managed by surgical excision.

A 33-year-old female presented with gradual protrusion of the left eye associated with poor vision, cosmetic embarrassment and watering. She had excision biopsy of an encapsulated cystic lesion with cheesy tissue and serous content. Orbital hydatid cyst due to echinococcosis was confirmed at histopathological examination of the excised tissue. She subsequently became pregnant hence, could not undergo post-operative antihelminthic treatment, but was managed conservatively with no recurrence after five years of regular follow-up.

Orbital hydatid cyst should be considered as a differential in a young patient presenting with unilateral proptosis.

None.