Pancreatic hydatid cyst in children diagnosis and surgical management

Abstract

The pancreatic hydatid cyst location is exceptional, even in countries where hydatid disease is endemic. We report three cases of hydatid cyst of the pancreas revealed by abdominal pain and cutaneous jaundice. The diagnosis was based on abdominal ultrasound and CT scan that objectified a clean-walled cystic mass in the head of the pancreas. Hydatid serology (Elisa) was positive for all cases. Surgical treatment consisted to resect of the protruding dome in three cases and drainage. Through these three observations and a review of the literature, we discuss the diagnostic difficulties and the management of this rare localization of hydatid cyst in children.