Combined chest wall and liver hydatid cyst

Hydatid cysts (HC) are primarily found in the liver, with secondary occurrences in the lungs and other organs. The presence of HCs in the anterior chest wall is notably rare, and even more so when associated with HCs in the liver.

A 53-year-old male reported to our facility with a non-painful lump on his chest's front wall. A thoraco-abdominal CT scan identified cysts within the chest wall's subcutaneous layer, showing no spread to nearby soft tissues or involvement of the lungs and ribs. Despite an echinococcal test returning negative, the initial diagnosis leaned towards a dermoid cyst. After surgical removal and detailed examination, the cysts were confirmed as HCs. Further investigation revealed an additional liver HC. The patient was referred for surgery where he underwent laparotomy and drainage of cyst content.

This case underscores the importance of considering HCs when diagnosing palpable lesions on the chest wall, particularly in regions where HCs are endemic.