[Unusual locations of hydatid cysts]

Abstract

The most common sites of hydatid disease (HD) are represented by the liver and the lungs. In 10% of cases, HD arises in unusual viscera: mainly spleen (0.9 to 8%) and also kidney, bones, heart, brain, peritoneum (0.5 to 5%). Other exceptional location was described in less than 1% of all cases of hydatid cysts. Ultrasonography and CTscan are highly suggestive of HD, while serologic tests are variable. The cysto-pericystectomy is the gold standard procedure but sometimes unsuitable for particular sites. In that cases a conservative approach (partial pericystectomy) is mandatory to preserve the organ function. The place of adjuvant medical treatment remains questionable.