Primary left ovarian hydatid cyst presenting as an abdominal mass - Case report

Hydatid disease, which is most often caused by Echinococcus granulosus, can occur in virtually all parts of the body. The disease most frequently occurs in the liver followed by the lungs, muscles, and bones respectively. Primary ovarian hydatid cyst is a rare case.

A 28-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with vague abdominal discomfort of 8-month duration which was located to the left side of lower abdomen and pelvis associated with episodes of low-grade fever. Her past medical and surgical histories were unremarkable with no surgical operation. She had 3 vaginal deliveries and did not smoke.

Hydatid disease is commonly caused by Echinococcus granulosus. The parasite can colonize virtually in every organ or in several organs at one time in the body. Pelvic hydatid cyst most often presents with vague abdominal pain. The diagnosis of the disease is not straightforward most of the time and requires investigations. The gold standard surgical treatment for ovarian hydatid cyst is cystectomy.

Ovarian hydatid cyst should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of pelvic masses, especially in endemic areas. Surgical treatment in the form of radical cystectomy is the treatment of choice and it is necessary to take all precautions not to spill hydatid fluid and daughter cysts inside the abdomen. Anthelmintics adjuvant chemotherapy postoperatively may decrease the recurrence rate of the disease.