Hydatid cyst of the kidney

Hydatidosis is an endemic disease caused by the Larval form of Echinococcus Granulosus. Renal involvement represents less than 5% of confirmed cases. It remains clinically silent for a tong time, and only presents at the stage of complications. Diagnosis is suspected on the basis of epidemiological, clinical, radiological and biological data. There are various clinical presentations. Hydaturia, which is observed in 10 to 30% of the cases, is the only pathognomonic feature. Diagnostic accuracy has been improved since the wide use of ultrasonography. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are helpful tools to confirm the diagnosis. The treatment is mainly based on surgery. The resection of the prominent dome remains the standard option as it allows preservation of the kidney. Total nephrectomy should be proposed only in case of renal destruction. The percutaneous management, which includes puncture, aspiration, injection, and reaspiration, can be performed in very selected cases. However, the results of this technique are still under debate. (C) 2004 Elsevier SAS. Tous droits reserves.