Primary solitary hydatid cyst in paraspinal cervical muscles: a case report and review of the literature

Hydatid disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus and Echinococcus multilocularis commonly presents with pulmonary and hepatic cysts. Primary paraspinal muscle cysts are a rare presentation. We report a case of hydatid cyst within paraspinal muscles presenting with cervical mass and associated pain. The hydatid disease serological test was negative. Neither hepatic nor pulmonary cystic lesions were found. Radiographic findings were unspecific for hydatid cysts. Surgical resection was planned due to the provisional diagnosis of muscular cystic neoplasm. During surgery, a cyst containing a clear liquid was found. The cyst wall was excised and the surgical field was irrigated with hypertonic saline. The patient's symptoms resolved by discharge day. Postoperative pathological examinations revealed a muscular hydatid cyst.