Primary disseminated intraabdominal hydatidosis: a case report

BACKGROUND: Hydatidosis, a zoonotic disease caused by the larvae of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (E. granulosus s.l.), can be primary or secondary. However, primary disseminated intraabdominal hydatidosis is a rare form of the disease, accounting for about 2% of all intraabdominal cysts. CASE PRESENTATION: We report herein a case of primary disseminated intraabdominal hydatidosis with multiple organ involvement in a 51-year-old Iranian man presenting to a healthcare facility with abdominal pain. During the physical examination, two abdominal masses were palpated. Ultrasound and computed tomography revealed six cystic lesions in the patient’s liver, subhepatic region, pelvic, and omentum. Afterward, he underwent surgery, during which the cystic lesions were completely removed. The patient received albendazole (400 mg/kg/day) postoperatively and was recommended to continue the treatment for 4 months. CONCLUSIONS: Although primary disseminated intraabdominal hydatidosis is rare, this problem is of great importance due to the fertility of cysts and the high risk of recurrence. Therefore, it is recommended to follow such patients with imaging modalities and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for native antigen B (AgB). In addition, patients should undergo albendazole therapy postoperatively for 4 months.