Accidental discovery of a hydatid cyst with primary presentation in an unusual location: a case report

A hydatid cyst is a zoonotic infection caused by the larval forms of mostly the Echinococcus granulosus. In humans, the most common site of cyst development is the liver (60%), followed by the lungs (20%), and much less commonly in other organs such as kidney, spleen, brain, and other soft tissues. The localization of cysts in muscles and subcutaneous is very rare. We report a case of 38-year-old female patient with a cystic shoulder mass turning out to be hydatid cyst on surgical exploration. However, especially in non-endemic regions, the most diagnostic tool for an unusual presentation is the awareness of the physician. Surgical excision is the main modality of treatment. Also, complementary investigation to rule out other organs’ involvement is necessary. During surgical interventions, all precautions antiscolicidal solutions along with meticulous surgical techniques go a long way in the prevention of recurrence of this disease.