Isolated intricacy: Exploring a solitary renal hydatid cyst-a case report on rare presentation of echinococcosis

Abstract

Echinococcosis, a zoonotic disease of global significance, primarily affects the liver and lungs. While hepatic involvement is the most common presentation of echinococcosis, isolated renal hydatid cysts are a rare entity with limited reported cases in the literature. We report a case of isolated renal hydatid cyst in a 34-year-old female patient who presented with pain in the right flank for 2 years, which was insidious in onset, intermittent in nature with aggravation of pain over the last 3 months. The abdominal examination revealed mild tenderness in right hypochondrium. After ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced CT scan of the abdomen, the differential diagnoses of complex renal cyst, renal hydatid cyst, cystic neoplastic lesion and resolving renal abscess were considered. Partial nephrectomy was performed. Histopathological examination revealed features consistent with Hydatid Cyst with xanthogranulomatous reaction. Therefore, isolated renal hydatid cysts, though rare, necessitate a high index of suspicion and comprehensive radiological evaluation for accurate diagnosis and optimal management.