Pancreatic hydatid cyst mimicking mucinous cystic neoplasm of pancreas: A case report

Abstract

Introduction: Isolated hydatid of pancreas is a rare condition, with an incidence of less than 1%. Establishing diagnosis may be difficult because clinical and imaging findings are similar to other more commonly encountered cystic lesions of pancreas. We present a case of isolated Hydatid cyst in the tail of pancreas which mimicked a mucinous cystic neoplasm on imaging. Case report: A 33 y old male presented with Pain in left lumbar region for 10 days. Investigations showed a normal blood profile. CECT abdomen showed a cystic lesion in tail of pancreas with internal septations and rim calcification suggestive of Mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of pancreas. Patient underwent Distal pancreatectomy and Splenectomy. Histopathological examination was reported as Hydatid cyst of pancreas. Patient was followed up with 3 week course of Albendazole therapy. Conclusion: Hydatid is a zoonotic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus. The most common location is Liver followed by Lung. Isolated hydatid of pancreas is a rare entity described in literature. The most clinically significant feature of pancreatic hydatid is their rarity and their presenting features which may masquerade as pseudocysts or cystic neoplasms. Preoperative diagnosis may be difficult even with modern imaging techniques. A definitive diagnosis can be made only at surgery and on histopathology. A Hydatid cyst in the tail of the pancreas can be successfully treated with a Distal pancreatectomy .To avoid major pancreatic resections due to a mistaken diagnosis of pancreatic malignancy, pancreatic hydatid should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pancreatic cystic lesions, especially in endemic regions.