Primary Gluteal Intramuscular Hydatid Cyst: A Case Report

Introduction: Hydatid disease is a parasitic infection caused by the tapeworm, Echinococcus granulosus. It commonly occurs in the liver and lungs. Primary intramuscular hydatidosis is a rare presentation.

Case Report: We report a 68-year-old lady diagnosed with primary gluteal intramuscular hydatid disease with no involvement of any other viscera. Perioperative Albendazole therapy with surgical excision was done. Follow-up till 3rd month after the surgery was maintained. No signs of local recurrence were seen.

Discussion: The primary intramuscular hydatid cyst is an uncommon location because the lactic acid in muscles and contraction of muscles hinders the development of parasitic cysts. Treatment of choice is complete surgical excision of the cyst along with thorough irrigation of the wound with hypertonic saline (3%) to prevent local recurrence and anaphylaxis. Systemic antihelminthic therapy with Albendazole before and after the surgery also plays an important role.

Conclusion: Diagnosis of primary gluteal hydatid cyst in an isolated form is difficult. However, it must be kept in mind by the clinicians in patients coming from endemic areas with musculoskeletal swelling involved in agricultural work.