Hydatid cyst of the pancreas

A rare case of hydatid cyst of the pancreas is reported. Although ultrasonography and computerised tomography scan confirmed the presence of a cystic mass in the body and tail of the pancreas, diagnosis was made only on laparotomy. A distal pancreatectomy was done and the diagnosis of hydatid cyst of the pancreas was confirmed by histopathology. Though very rare, pancreatic hydatidosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cystic lesions of the pancreas in the appropriate epidemiological setting.     

Hydatid cyst of the breast

Cystic hydatid disease is caused by the Echinococcus granulosus parasite. Most frequently, cysts develop in liver and lung. The breast is rarely a primary site of the hydatid cyst. A case of hydatid cyst of the breast is presented, the diagnosis of which was missed both pre-operatively and intra-operatively.     

Hydatid cyst of the liver

Hydatid cyst of the liver is a parasitic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus. The principal complications are infection, biliary duct fistula, and rupture into the peritoneum or chest. Diagnosis has become easier with advances in ultrasonic imaging and CT scanning. Surgery remains the most effective treatment but postoperative complications arise in 30% of cases, particularly when the surgical approach is conservative. Radical surgical approaches give better results and should be used in most cases. Biliocutaneous fistula and infection of the residual cavity are the most common postoperative complications and result in prolonged hospitalization and excess costs. New therapeutic strategies incorporate endoscopic, percutaneous, and medical therapies with surgery and have allowed an improvement in morbidity and mortality due to hydatid cysts of the liver. Until immunization becomes a possibility, preventive measures are necessary to avoid disease recurrence.     

Hydatid cyst of the pons

A unique case of pontine hydatid cyst is reported. Diagnosis was considered preoperatively on the basis of computed tomographic findings. Needle aspiration and removal of the endocyst were performed through the floor of the fourth ventricle. Postoperative death was due to widespread hemorrhagic infarction of the brainstem. Possible involved mechanisms are discussed.     

Hydatid cyst of the neck

Hydatid disease located in the head and neck is uncommon, and hydatid cysts rarely present as a cervical mass. We report an unusual case of primary hydatid cyst arising in the soft tissues of the neck. The clinical presentation was non-specific. The diagnosis was suspected by the radiological findings, and confirmed by histopathology. Characteristics of this rare disease, its diagnostic difficulties, and treatment are discussed.     

Hydatid cyst of the kidney

Hydatidosis is an endemic disease caused by the larval form of Echinococcus Granulosus. Renal involvement represents less than 5% of confirmed cases. It remains clinically silent for a long time, and only presents at the stage of complications. Diagnosis is suspected on the basis of epidemiological, clinical, radiological and biological data. There are various clinical presentations. Hydaturia, which is observed in 10 to 30% of the cases, is the only pathognomonic feature. Diagnostic accuracy has been improved since the wide use of ultrasonography. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are helpful tools to confirm the diagnosis. The treatment is mainly based on surgery. The resection of the prominent dome remains the standard option as it allows preservation of the kidney. Total nephrectomy should be proposed only in case of renal destruction. The percutaneous management, which includes puncture, aspiration, injection, and reaspiration, can be performed in very selected cases. However, the results of this technique are still under debate.