Hydatid cyst of the pancreatic tail. A case report

A case of calcified hydatid cyst of the pancreatic tail is presented. The ultrasonographic and computed tomographic features of the lesion suggested the presence of a cystadenoma or a calcified hydatid cyst. Computed tomography proved the most useful investigation and accurately localized the lesion. A distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy were performed because on the basis of the results of pre-operative investigations and macroscopic operative findings, carcinoma of the pancreatic tail could not be ruled out with certainty. The patient made an uneventful recovery.