Isolated Peritoneal, Mesenteric, and Omental Hydatid Cyst: A Clinicopathologic Narrative Review

Abstract

Hydatid disease (HD) is caused by Echinococcus granulosus and is endemic in many parts of the world. This parasitic tapeworm can produce cysts in almost every organ of the body, with the liver and lung being the most frequently targeted organs. Peritoneum, omentum, and mesentery are among these unusual locations, which can cause diagnostic challenge and treatment delay. This review provides information on the reported cases of the peritoneal, omental, and mesenteric hydatid cyst in the world during the last 20 years. During the last 20 years, there have been 49 published cases of hydatid cysts in the peritoneum, mesentery, and omentum. Among the reported cases in the English literature, the most common presenting symptom has been chronic abdominal pain and the method of primary diagnosis has been ELISA and ultrasonography. The best treatment modalities have been surgical excision, with and without adjuvant therapy, with albendazole and scolicidal agents. The published follow-up studies showed a low recurrence rate.