Primary ovarian hydatid cyst in a postmenopausal woman: A rare case report

INTRODUCTION: Hydatid cysts of the female reproductive system represent a rare entity. We report a case of a primary hydatid cyst of the right ovary of a postmenopausal woman that was diagnosed incidentally. PRESENTATION OF THE CASE: A 72-year old overweight woman with history of three vaginal deliveries was referred due to uterine prolapse. During clinical examination of the patient, preoperative pelvic ultrasound revealed an ovarian cyst with benign characteristics. After oncology review, a laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was conducted; the histopathology of the cyst revealed a hydatid cyst. Postoperative abdominal computed tomography identified no other sites of infection, indicating the ovary as the primary site of infection. During follow-up no recurrence occurred. DISCUSSION: Hydatid cysts usually have a low progression and tend to be asymptomatic. Medical treatment may be successful in small asymptomatic cysts, however a close follow-up is needed after antihelminthic treatment. Surgical management with removal of the intact cyst is the preferred method for large cysts. CONCLUSION: We report a rare case of ovarian hydatid cyst that was effectively removed intact during a laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy with no recurrence during follow-up.