Cystic echinococcus of head and neck: Anaphylactic dilemma and surgical considerations

Hydatid cyst or echinococcosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by dog tapeworm and occurs in humans only when they are accidental intermediate hosts for dog tapeworms. The liver is the most common organ affected (60%), followed by the lung (20%), kidneys (3%), brain (1%) and bone (1%). Previous literature recorded its occurrence in a very few cases involving head and neck region with only three cases involving cheek so far. The present case report demonstrates extreme rare occurrence of hydatid cyst in orofacial region. It is a rarity and potential risk of anaphylactic shock in susceptible individuals poses diagnostic and surgical challenge. Surgical management demands to be prepared with appropriate precautions to be taken perioperatively. Rationale for perioperative management of anaphylactic shock from cystic echinococcus is emphasized.