Hydatid disease of the breast

Masroor I, Azeemuddin M, Khan S, Barakzai A
Correspondence: Dr Imrana Masroor,  imrana.masroor@aku.edu

ABSTRACT
Cystic hydatid disease is caused by the parasite Echinococcus granulosus. Humans are the accidental intermediate hosts of this organism. Hydatid disease is endemic in countries in which raising sheep and cattle constitutes an important means of livelihood. The most commonly affected organs are the liver and lungs. Involvement of the kidney, bone, brain and other organs is rare. Breast involvement in this disease is also very rare. A case of isolated hydatid cyst of the breast is presented, along with a review of the literature and a discussion on the pertinent clinical and radiological aspects of the disease.

Keywords: breast, Echinococcus, endemic disease, hydatid cyst, ultrasound
Singapore Med J 2010; 51(4): e72-e75