DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sjmcr.2026.v14i11.002

Pages: 2404-2407

Introduction: The liver and lungs are the most common sites of human hydatid disease, accounting for 85% of cases. Muscular involvement is rare, even in endemic areas. We report a case of a hydatid cyst of the left thigh in a 4-year-old child. Observation: A 4-year-old boy, living in a nomadic community, with no significant past medical or surgical history, was referred to the radiology department for investigation of a painless swelling on his left thigh, which had been present for 4 months. Clinical examination revealed a swelling on the anteromedial aspect of the left thigh, measuring 6 centimeters along its longest axis. A standard radiograph of the left thigh showed two opacities: one located in the quadriceps femoris, well-circumscribed and adhering to the deep muscular layers without adjacent bone lesions, and the other located in the tensor fasciae latae muscle, well-circumscribed with diffuse calcification of its wall. The diagnosis of hydatid cyst was made based on the bifocal location. A cystectomy of the anterior thigh was performed with favorable postoperative outcomes. Conclusion: Muscular involvement in hydatid disease is rare, even in endemic areas. Serological tests are very often negative. Ultrasound plays a significant role and should be the first-line examination for diagnosing hydatid cysts. CT and MRI scans are performed when the diagnosis is uncertain to characterize the relationships between the tissues.