Primary hydatid cyst of the thyroid glands: two case reports and a review of the literature

Abstract

Introduction Although hydatid cyst remains one of the prevalent parasitic infections in humans, hydatid cyst of the thyroid is extremely rare, even in endemic areas. Here we present two cases of thyroid hydatid cysts. Case presentation A 35 and a 50 year-old Iranian female with a positive history of animal contact were presented with a neck lump without any compressive symptoms. A physical exam revealed neck masses that elevated with swallowing. Thyroid gland ultrasonography showed cystic thyroid lesions, and fine needle aspiration (FNA) suggested a thyroid hydatic cyst. Thyroid lobectomy and isthmectomy were done for the first patient, and near-total thyroidectomy was done for the other. The pathology report confirmed the diagnosis of a hydatid cyst. None of the patients had hydatid cysts in other sites. Patients were discharged without an antiparasitic drug, and no recurrence was detected at the six-month follow-up. Conclusion It is necessary to consider hydatid cysts in the differential diagnosis of cystic lesions of the thyroid gland in endemic areas, especially in people with a positive history of animal contact.

Presentation and Management of Thyroid Hydatid Cyst: A Comprehensive Systematic Review of the Literature

“…As a result, the total prevalence of primary thyroid echinococcosis is estimated to be between 0.1 and 0.6. The first case of thyroid involvement was described by Reddy and M. Tangavelu in 1946 [3,25]. There is some clarity on the pathogenesis routes.…”

“…Because the gland's arteries are so tiny, even though it is an organ with substantial blood flow, hydatid cysts are uncommon [3]. In this systematic review, an intensive review of all the studies of thyroid HCs was conducted.…”

“…The two predominant species responsible for human infection are Echinococcus multilocularis, inducing alveolar echinococcosis, and Echinococcus granulosus, the causative agent of cystic echinococcosis [2]. Notably, cystic echinococcosis is responsible for 95% of human echinococcal infections [3]. Humans are often the parasite's intermediate host; humans can become infected by eating contaminated food or water contaminated with the parasite's eggs or by coming into direct contact with the primitive hosts (sheep, goats, cattle, dogs, and other canines) [4].…”

“…The liver (65%) and the lungs (25%) are the two most frequently affected organs in humans. The hydatid cyst rarely affects the thyroid gland, even in endemic countries [3]. The thyroid gland may be affected by hydatid cyst illness, either primary (affecting the thyroid gland solely) or secondary (including numerous organs).…”

“…This study aims to fill this gap by providing a systematic review of all reported studies concerning thyroid hydatid disease [1,3,4,6,7,.…”