A rare presentation of hydatid cyst disease at the thigh: a case report from Syria

Hydatid cyst disease is a zoonotic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus and is recognized as a significant health issue in many countries, particularly Mediterranean countries. Hydatid cysts in the musculoskeletal system are rare, with only a few reported cases. These usually occur as secondary cysts resulting from the hematogenous dissemination from primary sites.

This paper reports a case of a 77-year-old man with a mass in his thigh that had been increasing dramatically in size for 4 months with no signs of local inflammation, fever, or any other symptoms. Findings from an MRI were consistent with a large abscess, so a true-cut biopsy was taken before referral. A pathological study after surgery revealed the lesion was a hydatid cyst, and a previously performed biopsy caused a rupture of the cyst.

Misdiagnosing hydatid cysts, especially in non-usual areas, may lead to an unwelcome biopsy and consequences.

This case report highlights the importance of considering hydatid cysts when encountering any enlarging mass, regardless of its location or rate of growth.