Primary intramuscular hydatid cyst: A rare case report

Abstract

Hydatid disease has a worldwide distribution and causes health problems in endemic countries. The prevalence of primary muscular hydatid disease is reported to be only 0.5% because muscle is an unfavorable site for infestation as a result of its high levels of lactic acid. Primary intramuscular hydatid cyst presents a diagnostic problem not only because of the unusual location and low prevalence, but also because complicated cysts may imitate solid or complex lesions.We report an unusual case of primary hydatidosis of the calf muscles, in which a wide excision was performed without causing any damage to the cyst wall. Injudicious approach in the management of these rare presentations may be the root cause of severe anaphylactic shock and systemic dissemination. Intramuscular hydatid cysts grow gradually and may mimic a soft tissue tumor; thus, the diagnosis of soft-tissue hydatid cysts needs a high index of suspicion.

Unusual Presentation of Extensive Hydatid Cyst in Calf Muscle: A Case Report

“…Primary intramuscular hydatid is extremely uncommon and rare. [3][4] Some of the factors responsible for it includes hepatic and pulmonary barriers, muscle contractibility and the presence of lactic acid in muscles which inhibit the growth of cysts. Most of the reported cases of intramuscular hydatidosis includes quadriceps.…”