Peritoneal Hydatid Cyst Mimicking Peritoneal Seeding; A Case Report
Nasser Malekpour Alamdari1, Iman Ansari2, Maede Karimian3
1Critical Care Quality Improvement Research Center, Shahid Modarres Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Iranian Journal of Pathology
|August 1, 2025
Summary
This case highlights rare peritoneal hydatid disease mimicking abdominal cancer. Surgical removal and antiparasitic treatment are key for managing this challenging condition.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Abdominal Imaging
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Peritoneal hydatid disease is an uncommon parasitic infection.
- It can present with symptoms and imaging findings that mimic abdominal malignancy, causing diagnostic challenges.
Observation:
- A 64-year-old man with epigastric pain, weight loss, and anemia presented with splenic and peritoneal cystic lesions, initially suspected as malignancy.
- Radiological evaluation showed splenomegaly with cystic lesions in the liver and numerous peritoneal nodules.
- Despite negative serology and unremarkable endoscopic evaluations, surgical exploration was performed.
Findings:
- Exploratory laparotomy revealed hydatid involvement of the spleen, liver, and peritoneum.
- The patient underwent splenectomy and partial omentectomy.
- Postoperative treatment with albendazole led to symptom resolution and normal follow-up examinations.
Implications:
- Peritoneal hydatid disease requires a high index of suspicion due to its potential to mimic peritoneal carcinomatosis.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial to avoid treatment delays and ensure appropriate management.
- Combined surgical excision and antiparasitic therapy are essential for successful outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Appendicitis
Appendicitis is an acute inflammatory condition of the vermiform appendix, most commonly caused by obstruction of its lumen. The appendix is a narrow, blind-ended pouch that extends from the cecum, making it particularly prone to obstruction. Causes include fecaliths, lymphoid hyperplasia (often after viral infections), parasites, tumors, or foreign bodies. This obstruction initiates a cascade of pathological changes.Luminal Obstruction and Early InflammationAfter obstruction, normal mucosal...
01:19Ascites
DefinitionAscites is the buildup of fluid inside the peritoneal cavity. It occurs when fluid moves out of the vascular system faster than the peritoneal lymphatics can remove it. This fluid shift is most commonly seen in liver cirrhosis but can also appear in several other systemic disorders.EtiologyCirrhosis remains the leading cause of ascites. Other conditions that can contribute include:Heart failureConstrictive pericarditisAbdominal cancersNephrotic syndromeSevere protein–calorie...