Renal hydatid cyst: urinary cytological diagnosis

Echinococcal disease is endemic in many areas of Asia, Europe, South America, the Near East, Australia, and New Zealand. Hepatic and pulmonary cysts are the most common presentation. Isolated renal hydatid cyst is an uncommon presentation of echinococcal disease, since renal involvement occurs in only 2-3% of cases. We present the case of a young man with renal colic, in whom the diagnosis of renal hydatid disease was established cytologically. Urine cytology, performed because of persistent hematuria, revealed scolices of Echinococcus granulosus and prompted further imaging investigation, and, ultimately, surgical treatment.