Gossypiboma mistaken for a hydatid cyst

Abstract

Although considered a rare complication, gossypiboma continues to be a clinically important and probably more frequently encountered than reported situation. Here we present a case of gossypiboma that was mistaken for a hydatid cyst in the preoperative evaluation. A 34-year-old male patient with a history of Nissen fundoplication presented with a large mass palpable in the epigastrium and both the left upper and lower quadrants of the abdomen. Computed tomography was reported to show a 20×18 cm cystic mass with a collapsed germinative membrane inside it. Laparotomy, which was performed with a suggested diagnosis of type 3 hydatid cyst, revealed that the mass was caused by a 30×30 cm surgical abdominal compress. We believe gossypiboma should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of abdominal hydatid cysts in the presence of a former abdominal operation, especially when the result of the indirect hemagglutination test is negative.

Gossypiboma mimicking hepatic hydatid cyst after 22 years: a case report

“…[5] However, it is worth noting that, akin to findings in hydatid cyst cases in the literature, gossypiboma may also present as a cystic mass exhibiting either thin or thick capsular septations that demonstrate contrast on CT scans. [6] In our particular case, the CT findings indicated a Type 3 hydatid cyst characterized by both cystic and solid components with discernible thick septations. The noteworthy observation of a two-decade interval since the initial operation underscored a distinct presentation from the more common early-stage abscess formation.…”

“…[ 5 ] However, it is worth noting that, akin to findings in hydatid cyst cases in the literature, gossypiboma may also present as a cystic mass exhibiting either thin or thick capsular septations that demonstrate contrast on CT scans. [ 6 ]…”