ISOLATED PRIMARY HYDATID CYST OF THE PANCREAS: A CASE REPORT

Hydatid disease is caused by tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus . E. granulosus forms hydatid cysts in human body, mostly in the liver and the lung. However, isolated primary hydatid cyst of the pancreas is rarely seen. Hereby, we report a 40-year-old Caucasian female with a hydatid cyst in the body of the pancreas. The patient, complaining of vague abdominal pain was examined with abdominal ultrasound. The ultrasound scan of abdomen revealed an exophytic cystic lesion in the body of the pancreas, approximately 7.5x5 cm in size. The defined lesion was thought to be compatible with hydatid cyst stage 4-5. The  surgical team informed the patient about all possible treatment options. The patient was put on albendazole treatment, 400 mg twice daily, for two months. Despite the medical treatment, the patient complained about abdominal pain and discomfort affecting her daily life. Therefore, she decided for surgical intervention. Following the intraoperative application of scolicidal hypertonic 20% NaCl solution, partial cystectomy with capitonnage was performed. The patient did well postoperatively. Isolated primary hydatid cyst of the pancreas is rarely seen, however, it should be taken into account in the differential diagnosis of abdominal pain, especially in endemic areas.