Primary hydatid cyst of the pancreas with a hepatic pedicule compression

Abstract

Introduction: Primary pancreatic hydatid cyst is extremely rare and may be a causative factor for obstructive jaundice.

Case presentation: A 27-year-old woman presented with obstructive jaundice, vomiting, pruritus, abdominal pain and an epigastric mass. A diagnosis of a pancreatic cyst causing a compression of the common bile buct was established by ultrasonography and CT scan before surgery. Hydatic serology was negative. The treatment consisted of the resection of the protruding dome with a drainage of the residual cavity and an omentoplasty. The recovery was uneventful and the patient has remained symptom free so far.

Conclusion: The primary hydatid cyst of the pancreas may be a causative factor for obstructive jaundice and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of all cystic masses in the pancreas, especially in endemic areas.

Figure 1

Abdominal CT scan revealing a cystic tumor of the pancreatic head and body.

Figure 2

Extraction of hydatic membranes after the opening of the pancreatic cyst.