Primary intraperitoneal hydatid cyst presenting with abdominal distension: A case report

Area of Science:

• Hepatobiliary Surgery
• Parasitic Diseases
• Abdominal Imaging

Background:

• Peritoneal hydatid disease is a rare manifestation of echinococcosis, comprising 2-13% of abdominal cases.
• Nonspecific symptoms and potential for multi-organ involvement lead to frequent misdiagnosis.
• Limited evidence exists for managing primary peritoneal hydatid cysts, posing diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

Observation:

• A case of primary peritoneal hydatid disease is presented in a patient with a year-long history of abdominal distension.
• The patient underwent surgical excision of the hydatid cyst.
• Postoperative treatment with albendazole was administered.

Findings:

• Surgical excision combined with adjuvant albendazole therapy proved effective in disease control.
• The treatment strategy successfully prevented recurrence of the peritoneal hydatid disease.
• Complete cyst excision and antiparasitic therapy are crucial for managing peritoneal echinococcosis.

Implications:

• Hydatid disease should be a key consideration in the differential diagnosis of abdominal cystic masses, particularly in endemic areas.
• Controlled open surgery is recommended for peritoneal echinococcosis to minimize cyst spillage and dissemination.
• Adjuvant anthelmintic therapy, such as albendazole, is vital for preventing disease recurrence and improving patient outcomes.