Echinococcal Cyst of the Pancreas with Cystopancreatic Duct Fistula Successfully Treated by Partial Cystectomy and Cystogastrostomy

The primary pancreatic hydatid (echinococcal) cyst is extremely rare with a reported incidence of <1%. Owing to its rareness and a considerable overlap of imaging features, a preoperative diagnosis is usually difficult. The dilemma in confirming this benign diagnosis has often questioned the extent of radical pancreatic resection. The involvement of pancreatic duct (cystopancreatic duct fistula) further complicates the management of such cystic lesions. In this report, we present a case of isolated hydatid cyst of the pancreatic body and tail communicating with the pancreatic duct. Cystogastrostomy preceded by partial cystectomy in the same setting has never been reported to date. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course and follow-up showed no evidence of cyst recurrence or dissemination. We consider this a safe surgical option in longstanding large cysts, especially if a cystopancreatic fistula is detected beforehand. The success of such a procedure however may rely on the size and thickness of the cyst wall to support this anastomosis.