Inguinal Hydatid cyst in a child: A rare case report

INTRODUCTION: Hydatid disease is a common health problem in developing countries and liver and lungs are the most commonly involved organs. Hydatid cyst in inguinal canal is very rare and no case in children has been reported in literature. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We describe a four year male child with right inguinal swelling with occasional pain and gradually increase in size. The diagnosis of lipoma of the cord was made. Up on inguinal exploration, coincidently Hydatid cyst was detected. Postoperatively histopathological examination (HPE) of the cyst confirmed the diagnosis of Hydatid disease and patient was put on albendazole therapy for three months. DISCUSSION: Hydatid disease is very rare in the inguinal canal and no case in children has been reported. In adults fewer than five cases has been reported and is usually coincidently detected during surgical exploration, as was in our case. Ultrasonography, CT, MRI and other serological tests may help in pre-operative diagnosis. CONCLUSION: In endemic areas, patients with progressive enlarging groin swelling, possibility of Hydatid cyst should be kept in mind and should be operated as early as possible.