Primary hydatidosis of gluteus maximus.

Hydatid disease is a parasitic infestation of humans and herbivorous animals, caused by echinococcus granulosus. Dogs and some wild carnivores, like foxes, are definitive hosts, harboring worms in their intestines. Eggs are passed in feces and eaten by intermediate hosts and larvae encyst in the liver, lungs and other organs. Primary muscular hydatidosis without involving the thoracic or abdominal organs is extremely rare. A case of intramuscular gluteal hydatid cyst is being reported with the intent of highlighting this atypical localization of the disease. Since the soft tissue tumors may be confused with hydatid cysts, preoperative evaluation of these patients is critical for proper handling during surgery to avoid life-threatening complications. We report a case of a 24-year-old male patient with a cystic gluteal swelling turning out to be hydatid cyst on sonography and computerized scanning. Surgical excision with postoperative antihelmenthics formed the main modality of treatment.