The patient presented with a painless mass of 6 months' duration in her right gluteal region, right thigh and right calf.
The patient presented with a painless mass of 6 months' duration in her right gluteal region, the right thigh and the upper third of her right calf. The mass had increased in size over the previous 3 months. A blood cell count revealed elevated eosinocytes.
A CT examination was performed and revealed multiple cystic lesions ranging in size from 2cm to 6cm. Some were simple and others were multicystic, involving the soft tissues of the right gluteal region, the posterior and anterior femoral region and the upper third of the calf (Figs 1 and 2).Diagnosis was soft tissue echinococcosis. At surgery, part of the mass was excised and pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis.
Hydatid disease (echinococcosis) 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. Only 10-15% of affected patients present lesions in other organs. Musculoskeletal involvement is found in only 1-4% of cases.
The clinical manifestation of hydatid disease in soft tissues is a palpable mass, either painless or painful. Most frequently patients with musculoskeletal involvement do not present hepatic or lung infestation. CT and US have been used for the evaluation of hydatidosis. Several patterns of the disease have been recognised: the unilocular cyst, the multivesicular lesion and the atypical or solid lesion. The patient in this case presented with a multivesicular lesion, which is characteristic of hydatid disease.
In musculoskeletal lesions the endovesicular daughter cysts and calcifications typical of hepatic lesions are not usually observed, so their absence does not exclude the diagnosis of cystic echinococcosis. This can be explained by the pathophysiology of the disease. All hydatid lesions start as purely cystic type I structures and if they develop daughter cysts or matrix (or both) they are termed type II cysts. When formed elements completely replace the nourishing fluid the type II lesion starves, dies and eventually becomes a calcified and biologically inert type III lesion. Musculoskeletal involvement is detected early so type I and type II lesions are most common.
Soft tissue echinococcosis
Based on the provided CT images, the following findings are noted:
In summary, the imaging suggests multiple cystic lesions in the right buttock and lower limb, predominantly in a multi-compartmental form. The morphology and septations indicate a high likelihood of parasitic cysts (especially echinococcosis).
These lesions often present as multi-chamber or cystic changes. While echinococcosis is less common in muscle and soft tissues, it can occur. Clinically, it may appear as a painless mass. Considering the regional epidemiology and the multiple chamber cystic appearance, this is a highly possible diagnosis.
Some lipomas or liposarcomas can undergo cystic changes, presenting with cystic components on imaging. However, typical features would include some fatty density. Multiple and extensively septated lesions are less common in this scenario.
For example, lymphangioma (lymphatic cyst) can appear as multi-chamber cystic structures, often found in superficial or lymphatic pathways. In atypical cases, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis from parasitic cysts.
Based on the patient’s history (slow progression, no significant pain) and the imaging features (multiple multi-chamber cystic lesions), and given that echinococcosis commonly presents with multi-chamber cystic manifestations, the most likely diagnosis is soft tissue echinococcosis (hydatid disease of the muscle or tendon). If confirmed by clinical examinations and laboratory tests (e.g., serology) or pathology, this diagnosis can be definitively established.
If imaging and serological results remain inconclusive, a biopsy through aspiration or surgical procedure is recommended to rule out other rare cystic tumors.
After surgery or treatment, patients often need gradual recovery of local muscle strength and joint mobility. A stepwise rehabilitation program is recommended:
Throughout the rehabilitation process, regularly assess muscle strength, joint mobility, and pain levels. Adjust the rehabilitation plan as needed to prevent overexertion or injury to adjacent tissues.
This report is a reference analysis based on the existing imaging and patient history. It should not be used as a substitute for face-to-face consultation and treatment planning with a qualified medical professional. Specific diagnostic and therapeutic procedures should be determined following further examinations and specialist opinions.
Soft tissue echinococcosis