The unusual location of primary hydatid cyst: A case series study

Background: Cystic echinococcosis mainly affects the liver and lungs, in which the larvae from the microvascular wall in the liver pass to the lungs and then to the blood circulation and settle in any tissue or organ.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to report the unusual location of hydatid cysts in infected patients in Sulaimaniyah City, Iraq.

Patients and methods: This retrospective case series study enrolled 13 patients. They underwent a surgical operation to excise their cyst after confirmed diagnosis with blood investigations, electrocardiogram, chest X-ray, computed tomography scan, and magnetic resonance imaging (when needed). After the operation, the cyst was confirmed with histopathological examination, and patients were advised to take an Albendazole tablet.

Results: Most patients were females from rural areas, with a mean age of 38.93 ± 14.4 years. Patients presented with cysts on the skin of the anterior abdominal wall, gluteal region, mesenteric area, pericardium, tibia bone meta diaphysis, right inguinal region, right thigh, skin of the anterior neck, spleen, left suprarenal gland, right breast, and the iliopsoas muscle.

Conclusions: The hydatid cyst can affect any body part with no site immune and often produces nonspecific symptoms.