Kyste hydatique de la thyroïde

Introduction

Primary hydatid cyst of thyroid gland is an exceptional localization. The thyroid gland is an uncommon site even in Morocco where echinococcal disease is endemic. The aim of this study was to report our experience of this rare disease, and to review diagnosis problems and management.

Patients and method

Retrospective study of six patients with primary hydatid cyst of thyroid gland during a 4-year period.

Results

We report six cases of primary hydatid cyst of thyroid gland. Symptoms were isolated thyroid nodules. Diagnosis was based on echography and echinococcal immunologic test. However, hydatic origin was suspected in only 50% of patients preoperatively and immunologic test had 33% false positive rate. Surgical management was a lobo-isthmectomy with a total resection of the cyst in four cases (67%) and a resection of the cyst prominent dome in two cases (33%). Diagnosis was always confirmed by macroscopic aspects and pathology. In all cases, the postoperative course was uneventful and no recurrence occurred with a 19 months follow up.

Conclusion

Primary hydatid cyst of thyroid gland is a potential but rare situation. Positive diagnosis can be difficult during preoperative period. Cyst size and diagnosis doubt are two crucial criteria to decide the optimal surgical strategy (lobo-isthmectomy with total cyst resection vs resection of the cyst prominent dome).