article · Scholars Journal of Medical Case Reports
A primary intramuscular hydatid cyst of the thigh is an exceptionally rare presentation of echinococcosis that can easily be mistaken for a soft-tissue tumour. In this clinical case, a 66-year-old man presented with an eight-month history of a painful, slowly enlarging mass in his left thigh. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a well-defined, multiloculated cystic lesion with multiple daughter cysts, characteristic of a hydatid cyst. Hydatid serology was negative, and no liver or lung involvement was detected. The patient underwent successful en bloc surgical removal of the mass without rupturing the cyst, followed by a three-month course of albendazole medication. Histopathological testing confirmed the diagnosis. Six months after surgery, the patient remained free of symptoms with no signs of recurrence. This management strategy highlights the importance of considering parasitic cysts in soft-tissue diagnoses, using magnetic resonance imaging, and combining complete excision with antiparasitic therapy.
Hydatid cysts usually affect internal organs such as the liver or lungs. When they develop inside skeletal muscle, they can be misdiagnosed as tumours, which creates risks of inappropriate interventions or accidental rupture. Awareness of this atypical presentation helps clinicians in endemic regions use magnetic resonance imaging correctly and adopt careful surgical protocols combined with antiparasitic treatment to avoid complications.
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Background: Primary intramuscular hydatid cyst of the thigh is an exceptionally rare manifestation of echinococcosis and may mimic a soft-tissue tumor, making diagnosis challenging. Case Presentation: A 66-year-old man presented with an eight-month history of a slowly enlarging, slightly painful mass of the left thigh. MRI revealed a well-defined multiloculated intramuscular cystic lesion containing multiple daughter cysts, suggestive of a hydatid cyst. No hepatic or pulmonary involvement was identified, and hydatid serology was negative. The patient underwent complete en bloc excision without cyst rupture. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis. Postoperative albendazole was administered for three months. At six-month follow-up, the patient remained asymptomatic, with no evidence of recurrence. Discussion: Although rare, primary intramuscular hydatid cyst should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cystic soft-tissue masses, particularly in endemic areas. MRI is the imaging modality of choice, while complete surgical excision without cyst rupture, combined with adjuvant albendazole therapy, provides excellent outcomes and minimizes the risk of recurrence.
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DOI: 10.36347/sjmcr.2026.v14i08.025
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