The patient, without notable pathological ATCD which consult for a painless tumefaction of the right thigh of progressive appearance over several months.
The patient presented with a painless mass of 9 months' duration of the right thigh. The clinical examination finds an increase in volume of the face anterior of the right thigh without vascular character nor sign of nervous compression. A blood cell count revealed elevated eosinocytes. An echogrphy and imagery by magnetic resonance (IRM) examination was performed and revealed cystic mass ranging in size from to 6cm, involving the soft tissues of the right thigh region (Figs 1, 2, 3). Diagnosis was soft tissue echinococcosis. At surgery, part of the mass was excised and pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis.
Hydatid disease is an infestation by the larval stages of Echinococcus granulosus. It can be found at various sites in the human body. Hydatid disease most frequently affects the liver and the lung. The muscular localization of echinococcosis is not very frequent, even in the countries of hydatic endémie where its frequency varies between 2,4 and 5,3% of the whole of the cysts hydatic (KH) of the organization. The muscles most often requested are those of the neck, the trunk and the root of the members, in particular lower, because of their vascular richness The clinical picture is not specific, and is characterized by its clinical latency. Most frequently patients with musculoskeletal involvement do not present hepatic or lung infestation. The imagery constitutes the most important shutter. Standard radiography makes it possible to eliminate a calcification from the cysts or an osseous attack. But, it is echography the examination of first intention; it shows in the majority of the cases of the cystic formations multivesicular and seldom of the serpigineuses images of rolling up of membrane which are characteristic. The CT not practised in our patient, makes it possible to specify the number of cyst, their size, their topography and their relationship with the structures of vicinity. However, the IRM comes compensates the TDM thanks to the cuts multiplanaires and the various sequences; it allows a better anatomical study and a precise analysis of the cystic walls as well as relationship with in particular vascular neighbouring structures. In fact, the IRM finds its indication only in the doubtful cases. The patient in this case presented with a multivesicular lesion, which is characteristic of hydatid disease. The principal differential diagnosis are posed with the imagery with KH stage I (synovial cysts and cysts hematic), stage IV (cold abscess or tumour) and stage V (hématome calcified and myosite calcifying). The treatment of the affection is primarily surgical; the access being facilitated by the preoperative study multiplanaire which the IRM offers to us.
Muscular hydatid disease
In the patient's right thigh region, ultrasound and MRI images show a well-defined multicystic lesion. Ultrasound reveals multiple cystic structures, with some compartments or membranous structures in certain cysts. MRI demonstrates a relatively large cystic lesion containing multiple cystic cavities or septa. On T2-weighted sequences, it appears hyperintense, while on T1-weighted sequences it appears relatively hypointense, with visible cyst walls or septa in some areas. The surrounding soft tissue maintains a generally regular shape, with no obvious signs of invasion into bone or major blood vessels.
Considering the patient's clinical presentation (painless, gradually enlarging right thigh mass), epidemiological background (especially if from a hydatid-endemic area), and imaging characteristics (multiple cystic vesicles, cystic walls, and septa), the most likely diagnosis is Muscular Echinococcosis (Hydatid Disease). If definitive confirmation is required, serological tests (anti-echinococcal antibodies) and/or intraoperative or postoperative pathological examinations can be conducted.
Treatment Strategy:
Rehabilitation and Exercise Prescription:
Following surgery, an individualized rehabilitation program should be developed to ensure safe and gradual recovery.
If the patient experiences obvious pain, local redness, swelling, or any other discomfort during training, exercise should be stopped immediately and medical or rehabilitation advice sought.
Disclaimer: This report serves only as a reference analysis based on current information and does not substitute for an in-person consultation or professional medical advice. If you have any questions or encounter any discomfort, please seek medical attention promptly.
Muscular hydatid disease