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Rare Case of Misdiagnosed Primary Intramuscular Hydatid Cyst of the Deltoid Muscle

Case Report: Misdiagnosed Primary Intramuscular Hydatid Cyst of the Deltoid Muscle in a Male Patient

Status
Completed
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Observational
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT07176598
Acronym
RPHC-Deltoid
Enrollment
1
Registered
2025-09-16
Start date
2024-06-01
Completion date
2025-08-25
Last updated
2025-09-16

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Primary Intramuscular Hydatid Cyst Hydatid Disease (Echinococcosis)

Brief summary

This case report describes a rare parasitic cyst called a hydatid cyst located in the shoulder muscle (deltoid) of a 29-year-old male. The patient initially presented with a painless, gradually enlarging swelling over the left shoulder. It was misdiagnosed as a synovial cyst and treated with corticosteroids, which caused local inflammation and purulent discharge. Blood tests for Echinococcus antibodies were negative. Ultrasound and MRI revealed a well-defined intramuscular cyst confined to the deltoid muscle. Surgical excision confirmed the diagnosis, and the patient received postoperative albendazole therapy for three months. Follow-up showed complete healing, restoration of shoulder function, and no recurrence. This case highlights the importance of considering hydatid disease in unusual muscle locations, particularly in endemic areas, to avoid misdiagnosis and ensure proper treatment.

Detailed description

This report presents a rare case of a primary intramuscular hydatid cyst confined to the deltoid muscle in a 29-year-old male. The patient had a seven-month history of a gradually enlarging swelling in the left shoulder. Initially misdiagnosed as a synovial cyst, he received corticosteroid injection, which led to pain, erythema, and purulent discharge. Physical examination revealed a 10 cm fluctuant mass over the posterolateral deltoid. Serology for Echinococcus antibodies was negative. Ultrasound showed a well-defined, anechoic intramuscular cyst measuring 7 × 8 × 10 cm. MRI confirmed a fluid-filled cyst confined to the deltoid muscle, without involvement of bone, tendon, or joint structures. Under local anesthesia, the cyst was completely excised, and the cavity was irrigated with 10% povidone-iodine. Histopathology confirmed a non-fertile hydatid cyst (Echinococcus granulosus) without malignancy. Postoperative therapy included albendazole 400 mg daily for three months. Follow-up at six weeks showed complete wound healing, full shoulder function, and no recurrence. This case underscores the diagnostic challenges of intramuscular hydatid cysts, especially with negative serology, and highlights the importance of imaging, histopathology, and careful surgical management in endemic regions.

Interventions

None listed

Sponsors

Al-Shahba Specialized Hospital
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Observational model
CASE_ONLY
Time perspective
RETROSPECTIVE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
MALE
Age
18 Years to 120 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

Male patient Age 18 years or older Diagnosed with primary intramuscular hydatid cyst of the deltoid muscle

Exclusion criteria

Patients with cysts in other organs (liver, lungs) Patients with systemic infection or immunocompromised status Patients who did not undergo surgical excision \-

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Complete recovery of shoulder function without recurrence6 weeks postoperativelyMonitoring for surgical site infection, serological status, and general patient well-being following treatment.

Countries

Syria

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026