Echinoccocal cyst affecting the mandible

Abstract

Echinococcosis is a parasitic infection also called as hydatid disease or hydatidosis. Hydatidosis is a cyclo-zoonotic infection of the larvae form of Echinococcus granulosus (canine tapeworm). The majority of hydatid cysts are seen in the liver (65%) as most of the embryos are trapped within it. Infratemporal region is an unusual site for hydatidosis and has been sparsely reported in the literature. To the best of our knowledge, this is the fourth and perhaps the largest case report of hydatidosis involving the mandible in the literature in right infratemporal region involving the ramus condyle unit in a 35-year-old female with chief complaint of pain on right side of temporomandibular joint area on mastication, and opening and closing of mouth.