Primary Intra-Orbital Hydatid Cyst: A Case Report of a Rare Cause of Exophthalmos

Abstract

Background

Hydatid disease is a tapeworm parasitic infection caused by Echinococcus granulosus that commonly affects the liver and lungs during its life cycle in the human body. Orbital involvement is a very rare occurrence and isolated orbital Echinococcosis is extremely rare.

Case Presentation

A 60-year-old female Eritrean woman presented with 3-month history of painless protrusion of the left eye. Physical examination showed significantly decreased visual acuity of the left eye, left eye proptosis, and papilledema. Laboratory investigations were normal and orbital CT scan examination was suggestive of orbital hydatid cyst. After giving two weeks course of oral Albendazole, anterior orbitotomy and cyst excision was done. Post-op biopsy was conclusive of orbital hydatid cyst. She had mild lid swelling and adduction deficit on her post-operative follow-up. Subsequent longer duration of follow-up of the patient was not possible since the patient relocated back to Eritrea.

Conclusion

Orbital hydatid cyst is an extremely rare presentation of human Echinococcus granulosus infection. However, it should be considered one of the differential diagnoses among patients living in an endemic area and presenting with proptosis of the eye. A preoperative course of anthelmintic followed by surgical excision of the cyst is the definitive management.

Keywords:

• hydatid cyst
• hydatid disease
• orbit
• Echinococcosis
• Ethiopia

Data Sharing Statement

The data set and images supporting the conclusions of this case report are included within the article.

Ethical Approval

Ethical clearance was obtained from St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College review board (IRB reference number PM23/383).

Consent for Publication

Informed consent was obtained from the patient for the publication of this case report. Potential identifiers of the patient were excluded from the report.

Acknowledgment

We are grateful to the patient for providing consent for this study.

Author Contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors declare that they have no competing interests in this work.

Additional information

Funding

The authors received no funding for the study.