Primary hydatidosis of the gluteus muscles: report of three cases.
BACKGROUND
Hydatid disease caused by the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus is a worldwide problem especially in sheep and cattle raising countries.


OBJECTIVE
Muscle involvement is most commonly encountered as recurrence of previously treated disease or concurrently with primary lesions of the liver or lung. Furthermore, the rarity of muscle hydatidosis has unique implications in diagnosis and management.


METHODS
We report on three cases of primary echinococcus of the gluteus muscles presented in our clinic during a 10-year period.


RESULTS
We have administered albendazole for one cycle of 28 days in two of our patients based on the size and appearance of the cyst. All patients underwent total pericystectomy without cyst rupture. We have not found any recurrences after minimum follow up of 12 months.


CONCLUSIONS
Muscle echinococciasis respond well to surgical intervention. Complete and intact removal of the cyst in primary muscular hydatidosis should be considered curative.
Manouras
A
A
First Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, Hippocrateion Hospital, Athens Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece. amanouras@hippocratio.gr
Lagoudianakis
E E
EE
Markogiannakis
H
H
Larentzakis
A
A
Kekis
P
P
Filis
K
K
Bramis
C
C
Katergiannakis
V
V
D000368:Aged; D015766:Albendazole / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002081:Buttocks / Q000469:parasitology*; D004443:Echinococcosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000469:parasitology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D048209:Echinococcus granulosus / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000601:surgery*
D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents; D015766:Albendazole