Management of a pterygopalatine fossa hydatid cyst

Abstract

Hydatid cyst disease is a rare parasitic infestation caused by larvae of Echinococcus granulosus. Although larval stage of this parasite can thrive in any part of the body, especially lungs and liver; head and neck involvement is rare. Pterygopalatine fossa involvement is reported in two cases in the literature. In this report we represent a case with solitary, secondary pterygopalatine fossa hydatid cyst extending in to the maxillary sinus, orbita, sphenoid sinus and skull base.