Hydatid cyst of the humerus presenting as a suspicious lesion: A rare case report and review of literature

Abstract

Hydatidosis is a parasitic disease caused by the tapeworm Echinococcus. Echinococcus Granulosus is the most common cause of hydatid disease in humans. Bone involvement is rare, accounting for only 0.9% to 2.5% of all cases. We report the case of an 8-year-old child admitted with right arm pain, revealing a hydatid cyst on the humerus. Lesion assessment revealed a hydatid cyst of the humerus with extension to the adjacent soft tissues. The surgical procedure involved the excision of the cyst along with drainage. In this case report, we review the epidemiological, clinical, and paraclinical aspects of the disease, as well as the treatment modalities. Bone hydatid disease is infiltrative, diffuse, slow, and progressive, making diagnosis late, and compromising the quality of treatment.

Keywords

• Bone
• Echinococcus granulosus
• Hydatid cyst
• Humerus
• Lytic lesion