Hydatid disease beyond the liver: An unusual multi-organ presentation in a 2-year-old girl

Area of Science:

• Parasitology
• Pediatric Medicine
• Radiology

Background:

• Hydatid disease (echinococcosis) is a significant public health concern in endemic areas such as Morocco.
• The liver and lungs are the most commonly affected organs in hydatid disease.
• Pediatric hydatidosis is infrequent, and multi-organ involvement without hepatic lesions is exceptionally rare.

Observation:

• A 2-year-old girl presented with hydatid cysts.
• The cysts involved the central nervous system, lungs, and right kidney.
• Radiological assessment revealed no hepatic involvement, a highly unusual finding for echinococcosis.

Findings:

• The case represents an atypical presentation of pediatric hydatid disease.
• This underscores the importance of comprehensive radiologic evaluation in diagnosing hydatidosis, especially in children.
• Extrahepatic involvement can occur even without primary hepatic lesions.

Implications:

• Early and accurate diagnosis of extrahepatic hydatid disease is crucial for effective management.
• This case highlights the need for high vigilance and advanced imaging in endemic regions.
• Improved diagnostic strategies can lead to better patient outcomes in pediatric echinococcosis.