Echinococcosis — Rare Locations and Uncommon Clinical Manifestations

Echinococcosis is a zoonotic infection caused by tiny tapeworms of the genus Echinocococcus. Cystic Echinococcosis, also known as hydatid disease, is caused by Echinococcus granulosus and rarely by Echinococcus multilocularis. Although the worldwide incidence and prevalence of Echinococcosis dramatically decreased in the last decades, it remains a major public health issue in several countries, where the infection is currently considered an endemic disease. The disease is characterized by cystic lesions especially in the liver and lungs. If the parasites go beyond the lung filter, it can spread to other locations that are classified as rare, very rare, or extremely rare locations. In these rare locations, the disease is often asymptomatic and is frequently incidentally diagnosed. Usually, there are mechanical clinical features that will be different according to the organ where the cyst is located. Serological tests, ultrasound, and imaging radiological studies are generally used in order to make the correct diagnosis.