Primary multilocular hydatid cyst of neck with unique presentation: a rare case report and literature review

Pediatric Hydatid Cyst of the Neck Mimicking a Cystic Tumor: A Report of a Rare Case

Hydatidosis is a parasitic infection caused by the cestode Echinococcus granulosus usually occurring in the liver and lungs. Hydatid cyst of the neck is a rarely described location and more so on the back of the neck. We present a case of a six-year-old girl with a slowly evolving mass on the back of her neck. Medical investigations revealed a secondary asymptomatic liver cyst. MRI of the neck mass was consistent with a cystic lesion. Surgical removal of the neck cyst was performed. Pathological examination results confirmed the diagnosis of hydatid cyst. The patient was put on medical treatment with a complete recovery and uneventful follow-up.

Hydatid Disease: A Pictorial Review of Uncommon Locations

Hydatid disease is a zoonotic infection caused primarily by the tapeworm parasite, Echinococcus granulosus. It is considered an endemic disease in the Mediterranean region.  In about 90% of cases, hydatid cysts are found in the liver and lungs; however, any other organ in the body may be affected, particularly in endemic areas. When encountering cystic lesions in these areas, the physician should always keep hydatid disease as a possible diagnosis in mind. To avoid life-threatening conditions such as anaphylactic shock or pressure effect on vital organs, timely diagnosis, and proper management are critical. When a rare site is involved, hydatid disease should be diagnosed using a combination of serologic assays and imaging modalities such as ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These imaging modalities can also be used to determine the extent of the disease and assess possible complications. Here, we present a pictorial review of typical imaging manifestations of hydatid cysts in unusual sites. Being aware of these imaging features will assist physicians in making an accurate, timely diagnosis and subsequently, providing optimal management.

A rare case of hydatid cyst of the neck with concurrent pulmonary hydatid disease

Echinococcosis, commonly known as hydatid disease, is a zoonotic infection caused by dog tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus. Hydatid disease of the head and neck region is scarcely reported even in endemic areas. We herein report a case with with neck swelling and respiratory symptoms subsequently diagnosed to have disseminated echinococcosis of the neck and left lung.

Hydatid Cyst in Left Sub-Mandibular Space, an Unusual Location

Hydatid cysts in the neck area are considered as very rare and few cases have been reported in endemic areas. In the present study, we reported a 38-year-old female that underwent surgical operation for extraction of simple cyst in the submandibular area and the diagnosis of hydatid cyst was established by laboratory examinations. The patient was later diagnosed with hepatic hydatid cyst and received systemic treatments. We recommend that physicians should pay more attention to the possibilities of hydatid cysts in unusual areas in endemic regions especially Middle East.

Unusual Presentation of Hydatid Cyst

Hydatid cyst is a zoonotic disease that most commonly occurs in liver and lungs. Here, we present five cases of hydatid cyst occurring in axillary subcutaneous region, adnexal region, ovary, gallbladder, and pancreas Echinococcusshould be considered in the differential diagnosis of any cystic lesions in any anatomic location, with or without viscera involvement particularly in endemic areas.

Hydatid cyst of the neck mimicking a branchial cleft cyst

Here we report a rare case of primary hydatid cyst with involvement of soft tissue of the neck in a child. A 4-year-old girl presented with gradual swelling of the right side of her neck over a period of several months. The lump was fairly soft and painless with no significant inflammation. There was no other abnormal finding in the physical examination. Imaging was performed by ultrasonography followed by neck CT scan which demonstrated a simple cyst as the cause for the neck bulging. With the presumed diagnosis of a branchial cleft cyst, surgical resection was performed. Hydatid cyst was confirmed in pathology. Isolated soft-tissue hydatid cyst is an uncommon finding which should be considered in the differential diagnosis of soft-tissue cystic lesions especially in endemic regions. This is of more significance in children in whom congenital cysts of head and neck are more common.

Unusual location of primary hydatid cyst diagnosed on aspiration cytology

Hydatid cyst (HC) is a parasitic infection caused by Echinococcus granulosus. It occurs frequently in liver and lungs. Hydatid cyst of neck is extremely rare occurrence, and here, we report it with this unusual location. A 25-year-old male nonhypertensive and nondiabetic presented with slowly growing painless swelling in right side of neck for 4-5 years. The swelling measured 5 × 3 cm and was of soft to firm consistency. Fine needle aspiration cytology yielded fluid aspirate and smear showed features suggestive of HC. The intact cyst was removed surgically, and histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of hydatid cyst.