Celik AS, Yosunkaya H, Yayilkan Ozyilmaz A, Memis KB, Aydin S. Echinococcus granulosus in atypical localizations: Five case reports. World J Nephrol 2025; 14(2): 103027 [DOI: 10.5527/wjn.v14.i2.103027]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Ayse Sena Celik, MD, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Erzincan Binali Yildirim University, Erzincan 24000, Türkiye. ayse.celik@erzincan.edu.tr
Research Domain of This Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Article-Type of This Article
Case Report
Open-Access Policy of This Article
This article is an open-access article which was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
World J Nephrol. Jun 25, 2025; 14(2): 103027 Published online Jun 25, 2025. doi: 10.5527/wjn.v14.i2.103027
Echinococcus granulosus in atypical localizations: Five case reports
Ayse Sena Celik, Hacer Yosunkaya, Aysel Yayilkan Ozyilmaz, Kemal Bugra Memis, Sonay Aydin
Ayse Sena Celik, Hacer Yosunkaya, Aysel Yayilkan Ozyilmaz, Kemal Bugra Memis, Sonay Aydin, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Erzincan Binali Yildirim University, Erzincan 24000, Türkiye
Author contributions: Memis KB and Celik AS contributed to this paper; Aydin S designed the overall concept and outline of the manuscript; Memis KB contributed to the discussion and design of the manuscript; Memis KB, Celik AS, Ozyilmaz AY, Yosunkaya H and Aydin S contributed to the writing, and editing the manuscript, illustrations, and review of literature.
Informed consent statement: Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study.
Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest related to this study.
CARE Checklist (2016) statement: The authors have read the CARE Checklist (2016), and the manuscript was prepared and revised according to the CARE Checklist (2016).
Open Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Ayse Sena Celik, MD, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Erzincan Binali Yildirim University, Erzincan 24000, Türkiye. ayse.celik@erzincan.edu.tr
Received: November 6, 2024 Revised: February 23, 2025 Accepted: March 20, 2025 Published online: June 25, 2025 Processing time: 155 Days and 3.4 Hours
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Hydatid cyst disease, caused by Echinococcus granulosus, primarily affects the liver and lungs, but it can also develop in rare locations such as the kidneys, thyroid, subcutaneous tissues, bones, and the mediastinum. These atypical presentations often pose diagnostic challenges, as they can mimic benign and malignant pathologies, leading to potential misdiagnoses and inappropriate treatments. Early and accurate detection of hydatid cysts in uncommon sites is crucial for optimal patient management.
CASE SUMMARY
This case report series presents five patients with hydatid cysts located in atypical anatomical regions: The kidney, lumbar subcutaneous tissue, gluteal soft tissue, posterior mediastinum, and thyroid gland. The patients exhibited diverse clinical symptoms, including hematuria, palpable masses, localized pain, and chronic cough. Diagnosis was confirmed through a combination of imaging techniques-ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging-along with serological testing. All cases were managed with antiparasitic therapy (albendazole), and in selected cases, surgical excision was performed to prevent complications such as cyst rupture or secondary infections. Post-treatment follow-up demonstrated complete resolution or stable cystic lesions, with no signs of recurrence.
CONCLUSION
Recognizing hydatid cysts in atypical locations is essential to avoid misdiagnosis and ensure appropriate treatment strategies. Radiological imaging plays a key role in distinguishing hydatid cysts from other cystic and neoplastic conditions, while serological tests can aid in confirmation, particularly in endemic regions. A multidisciplinary approach, integrating radiology, clinical evaluation, and surgical expertise, is critical for effective diagnosis and management. This report highlights the need for increased awareness of extrapulmonary and extravisceral hydatid disease, emphasizing its significance in differential diagnosis and clinical practice.
Core Tip: Although the liver and lungs are responsible for 65% and 25% of Hydatid cyst illness, cysts can also occasionally develop in unusual locations like the kidneys, thyroid, bones, and subcutaneous tissue. By compressing the afflicted organs, hydatid illness can result in cysts, abscesses, and empyema. Major repercussions may ensue if it is not identified in a timely manner; if the cyst ruptures, it may cause disastrous results including anaphylaxis. A multidisciplinary approach directed by radiological data enables improved diagnosis, quicker treatment, and better patient outcomes, according to recent research and case studies.
