Abstract
Introduction. Hydatid cyst, caused by Echinococcus granulosa, occurs rarely in the musculoskeletal region. Most of the time, clinically and radiologically it is diagnosed as a soft tissue tumor, benign or malignant. There are a few case reports of hydatid cyst presenting as an intramuscular thigh mass, which has been diagnosed at fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). Accurate pre-operative diagnosis is essential in view of specific therapeutic options for this disease. Here we report a case of hydatid cyst occurring in an unusual location (thigh) and masquerading as a soft tissue tumour, diagnosed at FNAC. Case Report. 56-year-old male patient presented with gradually increasing swelling of the left thigh since 3 years. On examination, there was a firm non-tender 25 × 20 cm swelling on the posterior aspect of left thigh extending from the gluteal region to five cm above the knee joint. An ultrasound diagnosis of a soft tissue tumor was made. At FNAC, fluid was aspirated and smears showed granulomas along with multiple hyaline acellular membrane-like fragments, few showing vague laminations. A diagnosis of hydatid cyst was made at FNAC which was corroborated at histopathology. Conclusion. Intramuscular hydatid cyst of the thigh is a very rare manifestation. The possibility of hydatid cyst should be considered while aspirating any soft tissue mass lesion, especially when fluid is obtained and microscopy shows acellular hyaline membrane-like material, even when fewer laminations are noted.
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