Skeletal muscle hydatid cysts presenting as soft tissue masses

Abstract

Muscle hydatidosis is rare, accounting only for 3-5% of all cases We present a case series of 9 patients (8 male, one female, mean age 59 3 years, range 48-75 years) with primary echinococcosis of skeletal muscles The cysts presented as soli tissue masses in 8 patients, whereas in one, the cyst was an incidental finding on a CT scan performed for investigation of a lung problem All hydatid cysts were confined into muscles, without affecting the bone The location was the thigh region in 6 patients (quadriceps in 4. biceps in 2). the popliteal fossa (gastrocnemius) in one, the humerus (triceps branchii) in one and the shoulder (infraspinatus) in one patient MRI showed multi-vesicular cysts m all patients Indirect hemagglutination serological test was positive in 6 out of 9 cases En block surgical excision oldie cysts was undertaken in all patients Two patients received antihelminthic chemotherapy preoperatively Histopathologic findings confirmed the diagnosis No recurrence occurred during the follow-up period (1-8 years) Skeletal muscle echinococcosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of limb masses, especially in endemic countries A meticulous history taking and MRI imaging are essential, while pericystectomy is an effective method of treatment Hippokratia 2010, 14 (2) 126-130