Hydatic Cyst of Brachialis Anterior Muscle: A Case Report

Musculoskeletal hydatid cysts are extremely rare and usually result from the spread of cysts from other areas of hydatidosis in the body. We present an unusual case of a primary hydatid cyst of the brachialis anterior muscle in a 30-year-old man, presenting as an enlarging soft-tissue tumour. Magnetic resonance imaging examinations revealed a bilocular cyst mass. The entire cyst was surgically removed, and histopathological examinations confirmed the diagnosis of hydatid cyst. Antihelminthic chemotherapy was given for six weeks. There has been no recurrence two years after surgery. To our knowledge, the brachialis anterior muscle is an unusual location of muscular hydatic cyst. The diagnosis must be kept in mind as well as other soft tissue tumours. Keywords: hydatid cyst, muscle, armNigerian Journal of Orthopaedics and Trauma Vol. 7 (1) 2008 pp. 24-2