Gluteal muscles primary hydatid cyst after cortical bone destruction in the sacrum

Introduction: Hydatid disease is caused by infection of Echinococcus Granulosus. Usually Hydatid Cysts occur in the liver and lungs. Presenting hydatid cysts in bone without hepatic affectation is rare and occurs in 0.5-2% of cases. Hence, this rare case makes the diagnosis difficult for the clinicians and, as a result, misdiagnosis of sacral Echinococcosis is common.

Presentation of case: The authors report on a 47-year male with primary sacral hydatidosis and 34 years of recurrence. He was admitted with compressive neurological symptoms like tingling pain, numbness, sciatica and foot drop. He has undergone 8 operations and has been treated with Albendazole. He has developed a Sacro-cutaneous fistula.

Discussion: When assessing sciatica, low back pain or lower limb weakness the pelvic cavity should be examined for hidden disease that might explain the neurological symptoms.

Conclusion: A missed diagnosis of osseous Hydatidosis could be devastating. Accordingly, the sacral Hydatid cyst must be included as a differential diagnosis for compressive neurological symptoms. In clinical practice, surgery remains the gold standard for treating osseous Hydatidosis.

Keywords: Echinococcosis; Gait disorders; Hydatid disease; Main text; Paresthesia; Sacrum.