title: [Giant retroperitoneal hydatid cyst in a traveller].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Giant hydatid cyst located in the retroperitoneal space is rare. The purpose of this report is to present a case cured by surgery in an adult traveller.
  
  
  METHODS
  In August 2009, a 67-year-old female who traveled frequently to Lebanon was admitted for assessment of a giant retroperitoneal hydatid cyst discovered coincidentally following palpation of an abdominal mass in 1997. From 1966 to 1975, the patient had undergone several surgical procedures for pulmonary and hepatic hydatidosis, complicated by vomica and anaphylactic shock. In 1997, computed tomography showed that the retroperitoneal cyst measured 100 mm at the widest point. At that time, the patient refused to undergo further surgery and was treated medically using albendazole initially in association with praziquantel. In 2009, the cyst had expanded to 180 mm at the widest point and the patient finally consented to perikystectomy. Excision was total and recovery was uneventful. Histology examination confirmed the viability of the cyst. Follow-up examination at 12 months indicated no relapse.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The retroperitoneal space is a rare location for hydatidosis. Occurrence in this location is generally primary. In case of discovery of a liquid-filled retroperitoneal mass, a history of travel to an endemic area for hydatid disease should be elicited. Diagnosis relies on radiological findings and positive serology. Since retroperitoneal cysts are often giant, they respond poorly to medical treatment. Similarly radiological treatment is difficult due to retroperitoneal location. Surgery, preferably perikystectomy, is the treatment of choice.
authors.affiliation: Service des maladies infectieuses et tropicales, Hôpital d'instruction des armées Bégin, Saint-Mandé.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cambon
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Imbert
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Duverger
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Dumas
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Danguy des Déserts
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Crémades
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Méchaï
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Simon
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Rapp
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D004443:Echinococcosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D012187:Retroperitoneal Space; D014195:Travel