Hydatid cyst of the skull: report of four cases

Primary intraosseous mandibular hydatid cyst: A case report and review of 97 cases of osseous cystic echinococcosis

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we review the reported cases of hydatid disease of the bone in terms of etiology, pathogenesis, and histopathologic, serologic, and radiographic features and management of the disease.

STUDY DESIGN

The present case study reports an extremely rare occurrence of intraosseous hydatid cysts in the orofacial region, wherein symptoms or signs of systemic hydatid disease were absent. We discuss the challenges encountered during the diagnosis and treatment of osseous hydatidosis and reviewed articles on osseous hydatidosis, including 97 cases. We also compare the aspects reported in previous cases of mandibular hydatid cyst with those of the present case.

RESULTS

Hydatid cysts were found to be present in almost every bone of the skeleton in patients (mean age of 39.95 ± 19.67 years; range, 3-76 years). A slight male preference (58.8%) was observed. A history of rural lifestyle, animal bites, and trauma in the affected bone was reported. Only 5 reports on mandibular bone have been published previously, of which 3 were primary.

CONCLUSION

Because of the lack of usual presentations and radiographic features, the presence of hydatid cysts in unusual anatomic locations makes differential diagnosis difficult. The potential risk of anaphylactic shock in susceptible individuals, high recurrence rate, and risk of secondary hydatidosis pose diagnostic and surgical challenges.

Use of Ultrasound in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Tropical Diseases in Uganda

This manuscript will present a review of the use of ultrasound to diagnose and treat tropical diseases seen most commonly in Uganda.

Female genitalia hydatidosis herniating to the inguinal canal

Hydatid disease of the female genitalia presents a rare problem in gynecology formerly limited to only a few parts of the world. Primary pelvic hydatidosis is uncommon, and its pathogenesis remains unclear. We report one case of primary hydatid cysts and another case of secondary hydatid cysts of the female genitalia that herniated to the inguinal canal.

The imaging appearances of hydatid disease at some unusual sites

On reviewing our cases of hydatid disease seen over a period of 20 years (1978-1998), we encountered a number of unusual radiological appearances and sites, which are demonstrated in this pictorial review. We briefly discuss the pathology of hydatid disease and its complications.

Segmental portal hypertension due to a splenic Echinococcus cyst

A 60-year-old Libyan woman developed perihilar splenic varices without other signs of portal hypertension. Plain abdominal X-ray examination showed two calcified structures in the left and right hypochondria. Ultrasound examination disclosed a 3-cm diameter, globally calcified hydatid cyst lodged in a critical location at the hilar region of the spleen. The cyst was compressing the hilar vessels which resulted in dilatation and varix formation. Another hydatid cyst measuring 5 cm in diameter, with extensive wall calcification was visualized in the right lobe of the liver. The splenic size was within normal limits. The liver revealed normal texture and size and the portal vein was of normal caliber. The patient underwent an uneventful splenectomy and was well at discharge.

The calvarium

The calvarium is a crucial structure that can manifest a great deal of pathology. The plain film remains the main imaging modality, although CT and MRI are becoming increasingly important. We discuss its anatomy, normal variants, congenital and developmental anomalies, hematologic disease, idiopathic disorders, neoplasms, metabolic disease, trauma, and the postoperative skull. Whenever possible, we emphasize CT and MRI.

CT and MRI in hydatid disease of cervical vertebrae

Hydatid disease (HD) of the cervical spine is rare. A case investigated by computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is presented. While CT shows the bone lesion better, MRI is superior in demonstrating compression of neural structures. The complementary use of CT and MRI in such cases is suggested.