Isolated giant renal hydatid cyst with a simple renal cyst appearance: a case report

BACKGROUND: Isolated renal hydatid cysts of the kidney are a rare occurrence that account for about 2–3% of all hydatidoses. They can stay asymptomatic for years and could have a variable presentation on imaging techniques, which results in a challenging diagnostic process. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a 22-year-old Caucasian male with a large cyst on the upper pole of the left kidney that had no septations nor membrane calcifications on computed tomography, which led to mistakenly considering it a simple renal cyst. The true diagnosis was identified intraoperatively and proven postoperatively by pathology. CONCLUSIONS: This case highlights the importance of keeping echinococcosis in mind when treating suspected renal cysts and tumors to avoid incorrect treatment and possible content spillage, anaphylaxis, and peritoneal dissemination.