Primary Sacral Hydatid Cyst Mimicking a Neurogenic Tumor in Chronic Low Back Pain: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Hydatid cysts in the mesocolon mimicking peritoneal pseudomyxoma in a post-appendectomy patient: A case report

We aimed to present a case of two mesocolonic hydatid cysts that mimicked the presentation of peritoneal pseudomyxoma. Hydatidosis is a zoonotic parasitic infection caused by the cestode Echinococcus spp., whose larval stage affects various organs. The present case describes a 40-year-old male patient who presented with severe lower abdominal pain and was diagnosed with acute appendicitis. The patient underwent an appendectomy and was later referred to an oncology surgery clinic because of imaging findings suggestive of peritoneal pseudomyxoma or carcinomatosis. A video-assisted laparoscopic procedure revealed two cysts and microscopic findings confirmed hydatid cysts. The patient was from a hydatidosis-endemic region of southern Brazil. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges and the need for a multidisciplinary approach and careful histopathological analysis in patients with complex abdominal conditions. This also demonstrates the importance of disseminating knowledge about this condition and its management.

Hydatid Disease: A Pictorial Review of Uncommon Locations

Hydatid disease is a zoonotic infection caused primarily by the tapeworm parasite, Echinococcus granulosus. It is considered an endemic disease in the Mediterranean region.  In about 90% of cases, hydatid cysts are found in the liver and lungs; however, any other organ in the body may be affected, particularly in endemic areas. When encountering cystic lesions in these areas, the physician should always keep hydatid disease as a possible diagnosis in mind. To avoid life-threatening conditions such as anaphylactic shock or pressure effect on vital organs, timely diagnosis, and proper management are critical. When a rare site is involved, hydatid disease should be diagnosed using a combination of serologic assays and imaging modalities such as ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These imaging modalities can also be used to determine the extent of the disease and assess possible complications. Here, we present a pictorial review of typical imaging manifestations of hydatid cysts in unusual sites. Being aware of these imaging features will assist physicians in making an accurate, timely diagnosis and subsequently, providing optimal management.

Lytic parasitic: a case of bone destructing echinococcosis

Pelvic hydatid bone disease is a rare and debilitating condition. Patients often present with symptoms and signs when the disease process is advanced and curative resection is not possible. We present a case of destructive bone hydatid disease affecting the left iliac bone. A 45-year-old woman presented initially 5 years ago with a left pelvic mass to the gynaecology department. Computed tomography (CT) scan done at that time showed a large pelvic, left iliac fossa cystic mass with the destruction of the left iliac bone. Extension of the cystic mass transversed the iliac bone into the posterior soft tissue. Percutaneous biopsy taken showed hydatid cystic disease. The patient was planned for surgery and, however, was lost to follow-up. Four years later, she presented with a history of worsening left pelvic pain with an enlarging, left pelvic mass, and another mass in the posterior gluteal area. In addition, CT imaging showed extensive left iliac bone destruction with posterior soft tissue extension to the gluteus muscle. A multidisciplinary team concluded that complete excision would not result in cure. Thus, complete iliac wing bone reconstruction was not an option in this patient. Instead, palliative measures were deemed in the patient's best interest to control disease progression and relieve painful pressure-related symptoms from the hydatid cystic mass. The patient received preoperative albendazole and underwent an extraperitoneal debulking of the soft tissue hydatid infiltration and debridement of bony fragments from left iliac bone destruction. Postoperatively, the patient did well, and her main complaint of pain related to the cystic mass pressure had improved significantly.

Interactions between hydatid cyst and regulated cell death may provide new therapeutic opportunities

Cystic echinococcosis and alveolar echinococcosis are chronic zoonotic infections, transmitted throughout the world. Development of the cestode larval stages in the liver and lungs causes damage to intermediate hosts, including humans. Several pathways leading to the suppression of host immune response and the survival of the cysts in various hosts are known. Immune response modulation and regulated cell death (RCD) play a fundamental role in cyst formation, development and pathogenesis. RCD, referring to apoptosis, necrosis and autophagy, can be triggered either via intrinsic or extrinsic cell stimuli. In this review, we provide a general overview of current knowledge on the process of RCD during echinococcosis. The study of interactions between RCD and Echinococcus spp. metacestodes may provide in-depth understanding of echinococcosis pathogenesis and open new horizons for human intervention and treatment of the disease.