BACKGROUND: Hydatid cysts may occur in any area of the body, but they usually localize to the liver and the lungs. Primary localization in muscle is not common, accounting for 2-3% of all sites; even rarer is the development of multiple cysts. METHODS: The patient presented with a painless abdominal mass which gradually increased in size to a diameter of approximately 16 cm. Organ imaging scan revealed multiple hydatid cysts within the right psoas muscle. Because of the proximity of the lesions to the iliac vessels, ureter and nerves to the lower limb, percutaneous drainage and alcoholization under local anaesthesia were -performed with the aim of reducing the size of the cysts and sterilizing them prior to definitive surgery. This procedure was not effective. Two weeks after percutaneous treatment the patient underwent surgery. RESULTS: At operation the cysts were localized and successfully removed under ultrasound guidance. Postoperative stay was -uneventful. Two years after surgery the patient has no evidence of recurrent hydatid disease. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonography is the preferred method for detecting muscular hydatid cyst and for guiding the surgeon during resection.
BACKGROUND: Hydatid cysts may occur in any area of the body, but they usually localize to the liver and the lungs. Primary localization in muscle is not common, accounting for 2-3% of all sites; even rarer is the development of multiple cysts. METHODS: The patient presented with a painless abdominal mass which gradually increased in size to a diameter of approximately 16 cm. Organ imaging scan revealed multiple hydatid cysts within the right psoas muscle. Because of the proximity of the lesions to the iliac vessels, ureter and nerves to the lower limb, percutaneous drainage and alcoholization under local anaesthesia were -performed with the aim of reducing the size of the cysts and sterilizing them prior to definitive surgery. This procedure was not effective. Two weeks after percutaneous treatment the patient underwent surgery. RESULTS: At operation the cysts were localized and successfully removed under ultrasound guidance. Postoperative stay was -uneventful. Two years after surgery the patient has no evidence of recurrent hydatid disease. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonography is the preferred method for detecting muscular hydatid cyst and for guiding the surgeon during resection.