A hydatid cyst in mesentery complicated with appendicitis in nine-year-old child

Abstract

Hydatid disease is a parasite disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus. It often forms in the liver and lungs and rarely forms in other parts like the mesentery as in our case. This rare location of the cyst creates a unique and challenging condition. The patient in our case complained of abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. The radiographic and laboratory investigations support the diagnosis of appendicitis, so the appendix was excised and the patient was discharged after he got better. But he returned to the hospital complaining of abdominal pain and vomiting the next day. The X-Ray and laboratory values did not help us in putting the diagnosis, so an investigative laparotomy was done. We found a hydatid cyst in the mesentery of the ileum. We excised it carefully and treated its cavity with a saline solution of 30%. The patient was treated with albendazole for six months. The CT scan and MRI confirmed that it is a primary cyst. This case should clarify that hydatid cysts can form in unusual locations and lead to different symptoms and signs. And it can be complicated by other medical problems. So, the comprehensive examination is important to exclude such urgent and dangerous cases, particularly in endemic areas.

Keywords

• Hydatid cyst
• Mesentery
• Appendicitis
• Subobstruction
• Case report
• Syria