Isolated renal hydatid cysts in children: A systematic review of case reports

Abstract

Background: Echinococcosis is a zoonotic tapeworm infection caused by Echinococcus granulosus, occasionally affecting humans. The larval infection most commonly affects the liver and lungs and very rarely the kidneys. Objective: The present systematic review compiles data regarding clinical presentations, diagnostic modalities, management strategies and recurrences in children with isolated renal hydatid cysts. Methods: A comprehensive search was done in major databases PubMed and Google Scholar using defined search terms encompassing case reports or case series on isolated renal hydatid cysts in children. The identified reports underwent screening by three different authors for inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: The median (range) age at presentation of isolated renal hydatid disease was 10 (6) years with female preponderance (52.7%). Most common presenting symptom and sign were abdominal pain (64.8%) and palpable abdominal mass (56.7%), respectively. Ultrasonography (94.5%) was most common diagnostic method. Patients were primarily managed with surgical interventions (95.5%) and only 2/37 were managed solely by medical management for a median duration of 3.5 weeks. Laparoscopic cystectomy was the most commonly used surgical procedure (45.9%). Recurrence was observed to be rare, seen in only 3 cases. Conclusion: Hydatid cysts need to be considered in the differential diagnosis of renal cysts. Radiological evaluation with pathological confirmation enables diagnosis. Surgery combined with adjuvant anti-parasitic chemotherapy is used to treat the condition.

Keywords

• echinococcosis
• echinococcus granulosus
• hydatiduria
• kidney cyst
• pediatric