ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Hydatid disease is common in sheep rearing communities, often presenting with hepatic cysts in a majority of cases. Musculo-skeletal involvement as occurred in our patient is an unusual manifestation. Hydatid disease should be considered a differential of superficial and soft tissue swellings in our environment. METHOD: A 27-year-old HIV positive widow on antiretroviral therapy, who presented with intramuscular hydatid cyst in the right lower quadrant of the anterior abdominal wall is presented. RESULT: Following total excision and chemotherapy with albendazole, the patient did well and remained symptom free two years later. CONCLUSION: Though a rarity, hydatid cyst does occur in the musculo-skeletal system, presenting as a superficial swelling. Correct surgical management, including the intra-operative avoidance of spillage of cyst fluid demands pre-operative diagnosis or at least a high index of suspicion. Hydatid cyst should therefore be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of superficial swellings of musculo-skeletal origin in sheep rearing communities such as ours.
