Intramuscular hydatid cyst in the lower extremity: report of three cases

Hydatid cysts are rarely detected in the muscle tissue, even in endemic countries. Echinococcus granulosis is the most common causative agent, whereas Echinococcus alveolaris is rare. Three patients, two females and one male, with primary echinococcosis of the skeletal muscles are described in this report. Mean patient age was 33.3 +/- 14.6 years. The disease occurred as soft tissue masses in all three patients, and no hydatid foci were detected elsewhere in the patients. Skeletal muscle echinococcosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of limb masses, especially in endemic countries.