Case report: Rare presentation of multivisceral echinococcosis

Abstract

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a common, chronic, and endemic zoonotic disease usually localized in a single organ; multivisceral cases are rare, especially outside the liver or lung. Here, we describe an unusual case of a 43-year-old Tibetan man with echinococcosis of the infratemporal fossa, heart, liver, pancreas, abdomen, and pelvic cavity. He only presented with diminished vision of the left eye, especially when chewing. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed multivisceral CE. The patient underwent surgery for the excision of a cyst in the infratemporal fossa, as well as chemotherapy, and the diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological examination. The diagnosis, clinical features, treatment, and follow-up in this case are discussed. In areas with high echinococcosis prevalence, examination by full imaging is necessary for an accurate diagnosis, especially in cases of atypical localization. Chemotherapy for treatment, as well as prophylaxis against recurrence, can be effective when surgery is not possible.