A rare case of retroperitoneal and retrovesical hydatid cyst in a child

Medical Review (Med. pregled), 2026, 62(1), 53-56.

E. Rangelov¹, V. Nansenova¹, Y. Pahnev¹, N. Valchev¹, G. Minova², E. Kostova³, B. Mladenov⁴, P. Hristova4, D. Kofinova1, Hr. Shivachev1

¹Pediatric Surgery Department, UMHATEM “N. I. Pirogov” – Sofia
²Pediatric Urology Department, UMHATEM “N. I. Pirogov” – Sofia
³Diagnostic Radiology Department, UMHATEM “N. I. Pirogov” – Sofia
⁴Department of Pediatric Intensive Care, UMHATEM “N. I. Pirogov” – Sofia

Abstract: Hydatid disease is a parasitic infection caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus. It can affect almost any organ in the body, though the liver and lungs are most commonly involved. Although predominantly observed in adults, the disease can also manifest in children, particularly in endemic regions. Primary retroperitoneal, retrovesical, and mesenteric echinococcal cysts are rare, with no clear mechanism of localization. We report a case of a large hydatid cyst located in the retroperitoneal and retrovesical space of the pelvis, associated with diagnostic difficulties, in a 7-year-old child. The patient was treated by surgical removal of the cystic formation and postoperative antihelminthic therapy.

Key words: parasitic cyst, retroperitoneal space, surgery

Address for correspondence: Edmond Rangelov, MD, e-mail: edmondrangelov@abv.bg