Abstract

Purpose of the study:  Hydatidosis is a parasitic disease caused by the larval form of tapeworm Echinococcus granulosis. Diagnosis is based on interview, clinic and imaging data. This study aims to identify the clinical, paraclinical, therapeutic and evolutionary features of hydatid cyst of the soft tissues in the limbs.

Materials and methods: Our retrospective study focused on a series of 11 cases of soft-tissue hydatid cyst, collected at the Orthopedic Traumatology Department of the IBN SINA Rabat Hospital, over a period of 13 years, between 2004 and 2017.

Results: Field of choice was that of female, sex ratio of 0.37 (3M/8W), of rural origin (72.7%), the average age is 43 years, which was consulted for swelling lasting for at least 3 months without alteration of the condition. The predilection was at the level of the thigh muscles 8 out of 11 (72.7%), of which 6 at the lodge adductors. Diagnosis is based on imaging and immunological reactions and has been confirmed by histology. All patients underwent surgical excision supplemented by antiparasitic chemotherapy.

Conclusion: Hydatid cysts of the soft tissues remain rare. Their often-asymptomatic nature and their slow evolution make their diagnosis late. The treatment is essentially surgical. The best way to fight against hydatid disease, whatever its location, is prevention.

Keywords: Echinococcosis; Primitive hydatid cyst; Soft tissues; Limbs; Surgery