Marjan Ghaemi

Diagnostic Challenges and Surgical Management of Ovarian Hydatid Cyst: A Case Report From an Endemic Region and Literature Review

ABSTRACT Ovarian hydatid cysts are an infrequent presentation of the zoonotic condition caused by Echinococcus granulosus tapeworms. These cysts can easily be mistaken for benign or malignant ovarian neoplasms, posing a diagnostic challenge. This case report describes managing a case of ovarian hydatid cyst in an endemic region. A 50‐year‐old woman, who had previously undergone surgery for a liver hydatid cyst, presented with abdominal pain and amenorrhea. Upon further investigations, it was revealed that a multilocular cystic lesion was in her left ovary through ultrasonography and computed tomography. Tumor markers were within normal limits. Intraoperative evaluation confirmed the diagnosis of a hydatid cyst, leading to a decision for a total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy. The surgery was performed to remove the cyst safely. Following the procedure, the patient received anthelmintic therapy with albendazole. The outpatient follow‐up was focused on monitoring the patient's recovery and response to treatment. In conclusion, ovarian hydatid cysts are a rare entity that can mimic ovarian neoplasms, particularly in endemic regions. A high index of suspicion, along with appropriate imaging and histopathological examination, is crucial for accurate preoperative diagnosis. Surgical management, combined with perioperative anthelmintic therapy, is the mainstay of treatment to minimize the risk of recurrence and complications. Clinicians should be vigilant in considering hydatid disease as a differential diagnosis for cystic ovarian masses in endemic regions, even in the absence of a known history of the disease.