A hydatid cyst is a parasitic disease caused by the larval form of Echinococcus granulosus or rarely Echinococcus multilocularis. The main hosts for E. granulosus are predators such as dogs, wolves and foxes, while intermediate hosts include sheep, goats and cattle. Humans are incidental or intermediate hosts. The organs affected most often are the liver (70%) and lungs (10–15%) [1]. Differential diagnosis of hydatid disease should be considered for every soft cystic mass in any anatomical location, especially in areas where the disease is endemic. In this report, we present a rare case of primary hydatid cyst located subcutaneously in the medial aspect of left upper thigh.

A 14y/F presented with a painless, gradually increasing swelling in the left upper thigh from past 12 months approximately 18 x 15 cm in size. The swelling was non tender, mobile and superficial to the muscular plane in the medial aspect of upper thigh. Ultrasonography revealed a cystic swelling suggestive of hydatid cyst as daughter cysts were visible diagnostic of the disease. History of presence of a pet dog in the house was positive. CT scan was done for clear identification of the vessels, muscles and other involved structures for surgical planning (Figs. 1).

Fig.1- CT Scan showing hydatid cyst in thigh with daughter cysts.

It is possible that systemic dissemination via the lymphatic route accounts for cases with solitary cysts in uncommon sites [3]. The high lactic acid level in muscle tissue is considered unfavorable for the survival of parasite [4]. Though the muscle environment is not favorable for hydatid cysts the volume of the muscle mass and its excessive blood supply could explain the rare localization in the proximal muscles of the lower limbs [5]. It has also been hypothesized that the reason for rarity of primary muscle localization could be due to bypassing through precapillary anastomosis (between pre- and postparenchyma circulation) in liver.

Direct spread from adjacent sites may be another mechanism of infection provided a micro rupture has occurred [6,7]. Before surgical excision or biopsy or FNAC of a swelling, diagnosis of hydatid disease should be excluded, so as to avoid leakage of cyst contents and accompanying risk of anaphylaxis and secondary hydatidosis. Ultrasonography should be performed before any invasive procedure. Ultrasound, CT scan and MRI are used preoperatively to diagnose the hydatid disease [5,7,8].

Therefore, the most important diagnostic tool is the awareness of the pediatrician, particularly in the endemic areas. Surgery is definitive treatment and En bloc resection alone is curative for intramuscular hydatid disease. In this patient surgeons were able to remove whole of the cyst. Adjuvant chemotherapy was given to eliminate any possible larvae dissemination and to take care of possible hydatid disease at other sites.

Hydatid cyst should be considered in the differential diagnosis of subcutaneous cysts in regions where hydatid cysts are endemic. Total excision of the cyst with an intact wall is the best treatment.