Mediastinal Hydatidosis with an Unusual Presentation: A rare case report

Area of Science:

• Medicine
• Parasitology
• Radiology

Background:

• Hydatidosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease prevalent in developing nations.
• Typical presentations involve solitary lung cysts; extensive, multiple, or mediastinal involvement is uncommon.

Observation:

• A 24-year-old female presented with chest pain and heaviness.
• CT scans revealed diffuse, multiple cystic lesions in the mediastinum, lungs, pericardium, diaphragm, and chest wall, mimicking malignancy.
• Liver hydatidosis was incidentally found.

Findings:

• Despite negative serology for echinococcosis, surgical and histopathological findings confirmed hydatidosis.
• The case highlights the diagnostic challenges posed by extensive and unusual presentations of hydatidosis.

Implications:

• This case underscores the need to include hydatidosis in the differential diagnosis for mediastinal masses, even with atypical presentations.
• Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management and to avoid misclassification as intrathoracic malignancy.