Isolated peritoneal hydatid disease: a rare case report

Abstract

Hydatid disease is a zoonotic parasitic infection caused by Echinococcus granulosus and is not uncommonly encountered in South Africa, especially in certain endemic areas. It generally affects the liver and lungs, with primary isolated peritoneal involvement being extremely rare. We report the case of a 14-year-old female with an isolated peritoneal hydatid cyst, initially thought to be a simple ovarian cyst, with no apparent hepatic or pulmonary involvement. This case highlights the potential consideration of hydatid disease in the differential of peritoneal cystic masses, even in the absence of hepatic or pulmonary involvement, especially in patients from endemic regions.